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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..daef76b --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50265 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50265) diff --git a/old/50265-0.txt b/old/50265-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4c08354..0000000 --- a/old/50265-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7271 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Battle of the Falkland Islands, by -Henry Edmund Harvey Spencer-Cooper - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Battle of the Falkland Islands - Before and After - -Author: Henry Edmund Harvey Spencer-Cooper - -Release Date: October 21, 2015 [EBook #50265] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS *** - - - - -Produced by John Campbell and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE - - Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. - - A superscript is denoted by ^{x}; for example, 8^{th}. - - The format of time in the original text has been retained. For example, - 10.30 A.M. or 7.3 P.M. - - Gun caliber in the original text is of the form 9.1" or sometimes 9·1". - For consistency all calibers have been changed to the 9.1" (or - 9.1-inch) form. - - Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been - corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within - the text and consultation of external sources. - - More detail can be found at the end of the book. - - - - - THE BATTLE OF THE - FALKLAND ISLANDS - -[Illustration: _Glasgow_ _Cornwall_ _Leipzig_ - - THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS, 8th DECEMBER, 1914 - - The "Cornwall" engaging the "Leipzig" - - _From a Colour Drawing by Lieut.-Comm. H. T. Bennett, R.N._ -] - - - - - The Battle of the - Falkland Islands - - Before and After - - By - Commander H. Spencer-Cooper - - _With Coloured Frontispiece - and Ten Maps and Charts_ - - - CASSELL AND COMPANY, LTD - London, New York, Toronto and Melbourne - 1919 - - - - - To the Memory - - of the - - Officers and Men - - of the Royal Navy and the Royal Naval Reserve - - who so gallantly gave their lives in the actions - described in this book - - - - - CONTENTS - - - Part I.--Exploits off South America - - CHAPTER PAGE - - 1. GERMAN MEN-OF-WAR IN FOREIGN SEAS 3 - - 2. THE POLICY OF ADMIRAL COUNT VON SPEE 13 - - 3. BRITISH MEN-OF-WAR OFF SOUTH AMERICA 19 - - 4. LIFE AT SEA IN 1914 28 - - 5. THE SINKING OF THE "CAP TRAFALGAR" 35 - - 6. THE ACTION OFF CORONEL 45 - - 7. CONCENTRATION 60 - - 8. POSSIBILITIES AND PROBABILITIES 67 - - - Part II.--The Battle of the Falklands - - 9. AWAY SOUTH 79 - - 10. ENEMY IN SIGHT 87 - - 11. THE BATTLE-CRUISER ACTION 96 - - 12. THE END OF THE "LEIPZIG" 110 - - 13. THE SINKING OF THE "NÜRNBERG" 124 - - 14. AFTERMATH 134 - - 15. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE SAILOR IN ACTION 141 - - 16. VON SPEE'S AIMS AND HOPES 151 - - 17. THE PARTING OF THE WAYS 158 - - 18. THE LAST OF THE "DRESDEN" 163 - - - Part III.--Official Dispatches - - 1. THE ACTION OF H.M.S. "CARMANIA" 169 - - 2. THE ACTION OFF CORONEL BY H.M.S. "GLASGOW" 172 - - 3. REPORT BY VICE-ADMIRAL COUNT VON SPEE 174 - - 4. THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS 178 - - 5. THE SURRENDER OF THE "DRESDEN" 194 - - - Appendix - - A LIST OF THE OFFICERS SERVING IN THE - ACTIONS RECORDED 197 - - INDEX 221 - - - - -MAPS AND CHARTS - - - PAGE - - THE WAR ZONE IN WESTERN SEAS 5 - - CHART OF COURSE IN "CARMANIA"--"CAP TRAFALGAR" - DUEL 39 - - THE CORONEL ACTION: POSITION WHEN ENEMY - SIGHTED 49 - - THE CORONEL ACTION: POSITION AT SUNSET 51 - - CHART OF "CORNWALL" ACTION (_Inset_) 79 - - CHART OF BATTLE-CRUISER ACTION (_Inset_) 79 - - STANLEY HARBOUR: POSITIONS OF WARSHIPS 83 - - BATTLE OF THE FALKLANDS: POSITIONS AT 1.20 P.M. 94 - - BATTLE OF THE FALKLANDS: POSITIONS AT 2.45 P.M. 112 - - DUEL BETWEEN "KENT" AND "NÜRNBERG" 127 - - - - -INTRODUCTION - - -This plain, unvarnished account, so far as is known, is the first -attempt that has been made to link with the description of the -Falkland Islands battle, fought on December 8th, 1914, the events -leading up to that engagement. - -In order to preserve accuracy as far as possible, each phase -presented has been read and approved by officers who participated. -The personal views expressed on debatable subjects, such as strategy, -are sure to give rise to criticism, but it must be remembered that -at the time of writing the exact positions of the ships engaged in -overseas operations were not fully known, even in the Service. - -The subject falls naturally into three divisions: - -PART I. deals briefly with the movements of British and German -warships, and includes the duel fought by the _Carmania_, and the -action that took place off Coronel. - -PART II. describes the Falkland Islands battle itself, and the -subsequent fate of the German cruiser _Dresden_. - -PART III. contains the official dispatches bearing on these exploits. - -The words of Alfred Noyes have been referred to frequently, because -they are in so many respects prophetic, and also because of their -influence in showing that the spirit of Drake still inspires the -British Navy of to-day. - -The author takes this opportunity of expressing his warmest thanks -to those who have helped him in collecting information and in the -compilation of this book. - - - - -PART I - -EXPLOITS OFF SOUTH AMERICA - - - - - "Meekly content and tamely stay-at-home - The sea-birds seemed that piped across the waves; - And Drake, bemused, leaned smiling to his friend - Doughty and said, 'Is it not strange to know - When we return, yon speckled herring-gulls - Will still be wheeling, dipping, flashing there? - We shall not find a fairer land afar - Than those thyme-scented hills we leave behind! - Soon the young lambs will bleat across the combes, - And breezes will bring puffs of hawthorn scent - Down Devon lanes; over the purple moors - Lav'rocks will carol; and on the village greens - Around the maypole, while the moon hangs low, - The boys and girls of England merrily swing - In country footing through the flowery dance.'" - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - - - -THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS - - - - -CHAPTER I - -GERMAN MEN-OF-WAR IN FOREIGN SEAS - - "I, my Lords, have in different countries seen much of the - miseries of war. I am, therefore, in my inmost soul, a - man of peace. Yet I would not, for the sake of any peace, - however fortunate, consent to sacrifice one jot of England's - honour."--(_Speech by Lord Nelson in the House of Lords, November - 16th, 1802._) - - -We are now approaching the end of the third year of this great -war,[1] and most Englishmen, having had some of the experience that -war inevitably brings with it, will agree that the words which -Nelson spoke are as true to-day as when they were uttered just over -a century ago. Furthermore, as time and the war go on, the spirit -of the whole British nation--be it man or woman--is put to an -ever-increasing test of endurance, which is sustained and upheld by -those two simple words, "England's Honour." An old platitude, "Might -is Right," is constantly being quoted; but the nation that reverses -the order is bound to outlast the other and win through to the -desired goal. The justness of the cause, then, is the secret of our -strength, which will not only endure but bring success to our arms -in the end. - - -When Great Britain plunged into this Armageddon on August 4th, 1914, -the only German squadron not in European waters was stationed in the -Western Pacific, with its main base at Tsingtau. In addition there -were a few German light cruisers isolated in various parts of the -world, many of them being in proximity to British squadrons, which -would point to the fact that Germany never really calculated on Great -Britain throwing in her lot on the opposite side. - -The recent troubles in Mexico accounted for the presence of both -British and German cruisers in those waters, where they had been -operating in conjunction with one another in the most complete -harmony. As an instance, it might be mentioned that on August 2nd, -1914, one of our sloops was actually about to land a guard for one of -our Consulates at a Mexican port in the boats belonging to a German -light cruiser! - -A short description of some of the movements of the German ships -during the first few months of war will suffice to show that -their primary object was to damage our overseas trade as much as -possible. Further, since it is the fashion nowadays to overrate -Germany's powers of organisation and skill, it will be interesting -to observe that in spite of the vulnerability of our worldwide trade -comparatively little was achieved. - - -The German squadron in China was under the command of Vice-Admiral -Count von Spee. The outbreak of war found him on a cruise in the -Pacific, which ultimately extended far beyond his expectations. The -two armoured cruisers _Scharnhorst_--in which Admiral von Spee flew -his flag--and _Gneisenau_ left Nagasaki on June 28th, 1914. Their -movements southward are of no particular interest until their arrival -on July 7th at the Truk or Rug Islands, in the Caroline group, -which then belonged to Germany. After a few days they leisurely -continued their cruise amongst the islands of Polynesia. About -the middle of the month the light cruiser _Nürnberg_ was hastily -recalled from San Francisco, and sailed on July 21st, joining von -Spee's squadron at Ponape (also one of the Caroline Islands), where -the three ships mobilised for war. On August 6th they sailed for an -unknown destination, taking with them an auxiliary cruiser called the -_Titania_. - -[Illustration: THE WAR ZONE IN WESTERN SEAS - - The Mappa Co. Ltd London -] - -Apparently they were somewhat short of provisions, particularly of -fresh meat and potatoes, for it was said in an intercepted letter -that their diet consisted mainly of "spun yarn" (preserved meat). - -On August 22nd the _Nürnberg_ was sent to Honolulu to get papers -and to send telegrams, rejoining the squadron shortly afterwards. -A day or two later she was again detached, this time to Fanning -Island, where she destroyed the British cable station, cut the cable, -rejoining the squadron about September 7th, apparently at Christmas -Island. Hearing that hostile forces were at Apia (Samoan Islands), -von Spee sailed southward only to find, on his arrival, that it was -empty of shipping. - -The squadron now proceeded eastward to the French Society Islands to -see what stores were to be found there. Completing supplies of coal -at Bora Bora Island, it suddenly appeared off Papeete, the capital -of Tahiti, on September 22nd. A French gunboat lying in the harbour -was sunk by shell-fire, the town and forts were subjected to a heavy -bombardment, whilst the coal stores were set on fire. Calling in -later at the Marquesas Islands, the German Admiral shaped his course -eastward toward Easter Island, which was reached on October 12th. - -The light cruiser _Leipzig_ sailed from Mazatlan, an important town -on the west coast of Mexico, on August 2nd. Ten days later she was -reported off the entrance to Juan de Fuca Straits, between Vancouver -and the mainland, but never ventured inside to attack the naval -dockyard of Esquimalt. When war broke out the Canadian Government -with great promptitude purchased two submarines from an American -firm at Seattle; this was probably known to the Germans, and might -account for their unwillingness to risk an attack on a port that was -otherwise practically defenceless. - -The Canadian light cruiser _Rainbow_, together with the British -sloop _Algerine_, did excellent work on this coast. The former, in -particular, showed much zeal in shadowing the _Leipzig_, though they -never actually met. - -The _Leipzig_ achieved absolutely nothing worthy of note, although -she remained on the west coast of America for a long time. It was -not till the middle of October that she joined Admiral von Spee's -squadron at Easter Island, without having caused any damage to the -British Mercantile Marine. - - -The light cruiser _Dresden_ was at St. Thomas, one of the larger of -the Virgin Islands group, West Indies. She sailed on August 1st and -proceeded straight to Cape Horn, only staying her career to coal at -various places _en route_ where she was unlikely to be reported. -Crossing and re-crossing the trade route, she arrived on September -5th at Orange Bay, which is a large uninhabited natural harbour a -few miles to the north-west of Cape Horn. Here she was met by a -collier, and stayed eleven days making adjustments to her engines. -She evidently considered that she was now free from danger--we had -no cruisers here at this period--for she continued her course into -the Pacific, easing down to a speed of 8½ knots, and keeping more in -the track of shipping. She met the German gunboat _Eber_ on September -19th, to the northward of Magellan, and continued her way, apparently -on the look out for allied commerce, but only succeeded in sinking -two steamers before joining the flag of Admiral von Spee at Easter -Island on October 12th. Altogether she sank three steamers and four -sailing vessels, representing a total value of just over £250,000. - - -The light cruiser _Karlsruhe_, the fastest and most modern of the -German ships on foreign service, was in the Gulf of Mexico at the -commencement of the war. On her way to her sphere of operations in -the neighbourhood of Pernambuco she was sighted on August 6th, whilst -coaling at sea from the armed liner _Kronprinz Wilhelm_, by the -British cruiser _Suffolk_. Admiral Cradock, who was then flying his -flag in the _Suffolk_, immediately gave chase to the _Karlsruhe_, -the _Kronprinz Wilhelm_ bolting in the opposite direction. During -the forenoon Admiral Cradock called up by wireless the light cruiser -_Bristol_, which was in the vicinity, and, giving her the position of -the _Karlsruhe_, ordered her to intercept the enemy. The _Karlsruhe_ -was kept in sight by the _Suffolk_ for several hours, but was never -within gun-range, and finally escaped from her by superior speed. It -was a beautiful moonlight evening when the _Bristol_ sighted her -quarry at 8 P.M., and a quarter of an hour later opened fire, which -was returned a few moments later by the _Karlsruhe_, but it was too -dark for either ship to see the results of their shooting. All the -enemy's shots fell short, so that the _Bristol_ incurred no damage. -Both ships went on firing for fifty-five minutes, by which time the -German had drawn out of range. Admiral Cradock signalled during the -action, "Stick to it--I am coming"; all this time the _Suffolk_ was -doing her best to catch up, but never succeeded in reaching the scene -of the first naval action in the world-war. The German disappeared in -the darkness, and was never seen again by our warships. - -In her subsequent raids on British commerce along the South Atlantic -trade routes the _Karlsruhe_ was, on the whole, successful, until she -met a sudden and inglorious end off Central America. Her fate was -for a long time shrouded in mystery, the first clue being some of -her wreckage, which was found washed up on the shores of the island -of St. Vincent in the West Indies. Some of her survivors eventually -found their way back to the Fatherland and reported that she had -foundered with 260 officers and men--due to an internal explosion -on November 4th, 1914, in latitude 10° 07′ N., longitude 55° 25′ W. -(_See_ Map p. 5.) - -In all she sank seventeen ships, representing a value of £1,622,000. - - -There remain three German armed merchant cruisers that claim our -attention on account of their operations off South America. The _Cap -Trafalgar_ only existed for a month before being sunk by the armed -Cunard liner _Carmania_. A description of the fight is given in a -subsequent chapter. - -The _Prinz Eitel Friedrich_ was more directly under the orders of -Admiral von Spee, and acted in conjunction with his squadron in the -Pacific until the battle of the Falkland Islands, when she operated -on her own account against our trade with South America. She achieved -some measure of success during the few months that she was free, -and captured ten ships altogether, several of which, however, were -sailing vessels. Early in March she arrived at Newport News in the -United States with a number of prisoners on board, who had been -taken from these prizes. She was badly in need of refit; her engines -required repairs, and the Germans fondly imagined that they might -escape internment. On hearing that one of her victims was an American -vessel, public indignation was hotly aroused and but little sympathy -was shown for her wants. Her days of marauding were brought to an -abrupt termination, for the Americans resolutely interned her. - -Lastly, there was the _Kronprinz Wilhelm_, which, as we have seen, -was in company with the _Karlsruhe_ when the latter was sighted and -chased by the _Suffolk_ only two days after war was declared. She was -commanded by one of the officers of the _Karlsruhe_, and worked under -her orders in the Atlantic. In fact, the German cruiser transferred -two of her Q.F. guns to the armed merchantman, and they were mounted -on her forecastle. She was skilful in avoiding our cruisers and -literally fed upon her captures, being fortunate in obtaining coal -with fair frequency. In the course of eight months the _Kronprinz -Wilhelm_ captured and destroyed fifteen British or French ships, -four of which were sailing vessels. It will be realised how small -was the toll of our ships sailing these seas, especially when it is -recollected that the main object of the Germans at this time was to -make war on our maritime trade. Finally, sickness broke out on board -and there were several cases of beriberi; moreover, the ship leaked -and was in want of repairs, so on April 11th she also steamed into -Newport News and was interned. - -That the Germans did not approach the results they hoped for in -attacking our commerce was in a large measure due to the unceasing -activity of our cruisers, who forced the German ships to be -continually on the move to fresh hunting grounds. Thus, although -many of them escaped capture or destruction for some time, they were -perpetually being disturbed and hindered in their work of depredation. - - -The exploits of the light cruisers _Emden_ and _Königsberg_ are -outside the scope of this book, but the following brief summary may -be of interest. - -Sailing from Tsingtau on August 5th, with four colliers, the _Emden_ -apparently proceeded to cruise in the neighbourhood of Vladivostock, -where she captured a Russian auxiliary cruiser and one or two -merchant ships, before going south to make history in the Bay of -Bengal. She was eventually brought to book off the Cocos Islands on -November 9th, 1914, by the Australian light cruiser _Sydney_, in a -very gallant action which lasted over an hour and a half, when she -ran herself ashore in a sinking condition on North Keeling Island. -She sank seventeen ships all told, representing a total value of -£2,211,000. - -The _Königsberg_, at the commencement of hostilities, was lying at -Dar-es-Salaam, the capital of what was formerly German East Africa. -She sank the _Pegasus_, a light cruiser only two-thirds of her size -and of much inferior armament, at Zanzibar on September 20th, but -only succeeded in sinking one or two steamers afterwards. She was -eventually discovered hiding in the Rufiji Delta in German East -Africa, towards the end of October, 1914, where she was kept blocked -up by our ships for nearly nine months. Finally, on July 11th, 1915, -she was destroyed by gunfire by the monitors _Severn_ and _Mersey_, -who went up the river--the banks on both sides being entrenched--and -reduced her to a hopeless wreck where she lay, some fourteen miles -from the sea. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -THE POLICY OF ADMIRAL COUNT VON SPEE - - -It is clearly impossible to state with any exactitude the motives -which governed von Spee's policy; but, in briefly reviewing the -results, a shrewd idea of the reasons which led him to certain -conclusions may be formed. Also, it will assist the reader to a -conclusion on the merits and demerits of the strategy adopted, and -will help him to follow more easily the reasons for some of the -movements of our own ships described in the next chapter. - -That Admiral von Spee did not return to Tsingtau at the outbreak of -hostilities appears significant, since he was by no means inferior to -our squadron, and wished to mobilise his ships. He, however, sent the -_Emden_ there with dispatches and instructions to the colliers about -meeting him after she had escorted them to sea. Japan, it will be -remembered, did not declare war till August 23rd, 1914, and therefore -could scarcely have come into his earlier calculations. His action in -continuing his cruise in the Southern Pacific, where he was handy and -ready to strike at the French colonies[2] at the psychological moment -of the outbreak of hostilities, gives the impression that he did not -consider England's intervention probable. - -Previous to the war, the _Leipzig_ and _Nürnberg_ had been detached -to the West Coast of America, and it appears likely that von Spee was -influenced in his decision to remain at large in the Pacific by this -fact, as, before this dispersal of his squadron, he would have been -distinctly superior to the British Fleet in the China Station at that -time. Great care was taken by him to keep all his movements secret, -and he appears to have avoided making many wireless signals. - -The decision of the British Government to proceed with operations -against the German colonies in the Southern Pacific must have had a -determining effect on German policy; this decision was made at the -very outset and allowed the enemy no time to make preparations to -counter it. The value of the patriotism and loyal co-operation of the -Dominions in building up their own Navy in peace time was now clearly -demonstrated, Australia being the first of our Dominions to embark on -this policy. - -The German China squadron was inferior in strength to our ships in -Australian waters, and could not afford to risk encountering the -powerful battle-cruiser _Australia_ with her eight 12-inch guns; -consequently, von Spee was compelled to abandon the many colonies -in Polynesia to their fate. Finally, the advent of Japan into the -conflict left him little choice but to make his way to the eastward, -since not to do so was to court almost certain destruction, while to -move west and conceal his whereabouts was an impossibility. That von -Spee felt his position to be precarious, and had difficulty in making -up his mind what to do, is shown by the slow and indecisive movement -of his squadron at first. - -The movements of the German light cruisers lead to the conclusion -that they must have received orders to scatter so as to destroy our -trade in various spheres. The _Leipzig_ apparently patrolled the -western side of North America, whilst the _Karlsruhe_ took the South -Atlantic, and so on. - -Why the _Dresden_ should have steamed over 6,000 miles to the Pacific -instead of assisting the _Karlsruhe_ is hard to explain, unless she -had direct orders from the German Admiralty. She could always have -joined von Spee later. - -With the exception of the _Emden_, who operated with success in the -Bay of Bengal, and the _Karlsruhe_, whose area of operations was -along the junction of the South Atlantic and the West Indian trade -routes, none of them succeeded in accomplishing a fraction of the -damage that might reasonably have been expected at a time when our -merchantmen were not organised for war and business was "as usual." -It cannot be denied that the _Emden's_ raids wholly disorganised the -trade along the east coast of India. The local moneylenders--who are -the bankers to the peasants--abandoned the coast completely, trade -nearly came to a standstill, and the damage done took months to -recover. In this case the effects could by no means be measured by an -armchair calculation of the tonnage sunk by the _Emden_ in pounds, -shillings and pence. - -The main anxiety of the German Admiral lay in the continuance of his -supplies, which could only be assured by careful organisation. This -was rendered comparatively easy in South America, where every port -teemed with Germans; the wheels of communication, through the agency -of shore wireless stations, were well oiled by German money, and -there were numerous German merchantmen, fitted with wireless, ready -to hand to be used as supply ships or colliers. - -It was thus of paramount importance that the German Squadron should -be rounded up and annihilated before it could become a serious menace -to our trade and that of our Allies. The other remaining light -cruisers of the enemy, who were operating singly, could be dealt with -more easily, since our ships could afford to separate in order to -search for them, thus rendering it only a matter of time before they -were destroyed. - -What was the object, then, of the German Admiral? This was the -all-important question that occupied the thoughts of all our naval -officers in foreign parts. On the assumption that he would come -eastwards, there appeared to be few choices open to him beyond the -following: - -(1) To bombard the seaports of our colonies on the west coast of -Africa and to attack weakly defended but by no means valueless naval -stations (such as St. Helena), at the same time operating against -British and French expeditions going by sea against German colonies. - -(2) To go to South Africa, destroy the weak British squadron at the -Cape, and hang up Botha's expedition by supporting a rising against -us in the South African Dominions. - -(3) To endeavour to make his way home to Germany. - -(4) To operate in the North Atlantic. - -(5) To harass our trade with South America. - -Both the first and second appeared quite feasible, but they had the -twofold disadvantage of involving actions nearer England and of -very possibly restricting the enemy a good deal in his movements; -there are few harbours on this coast, and his every movement would -become known in a region where we held the monopoly in methods of -communication. Consequently, any success here was bound to be more or -less short-lived. On the other hand, matters were undoubtedly very -critical in these parts. De la Rey, when he was shot, was actually -on his way to raise the Vierkleur at Potchefstroom, and any striking -naval success which it would have taken us three weeks to deal with -at the very least, might have just set the balance against us at this -time in the minds of the waverers. Moreover, it would not have been -difficult to ensure supplies from the German colonies. - -The third may be dismissed as being extremely improbable at the -outset, for it is difficult to run a blockade with a number of ships, -and, for the enemy, it would too much have resembled thrusting his -head into the lion's jaws. Besides, he could be of far greater -service to his country in roaming the seas and in continuing to be a -thorn in our side as long as possible. - -The fourth will scarcely bear examination; cut off from all bases, he -could hardly hope to escape early destruction. - -The fifth seemed by far the most favourable to his hopes, as -being likely to yield a richer harvest, and, if successful, might -paralyse our enormous trade with South America, upon which we were so -dependent. - -German influence was predominant as well as unscrupulous along the -Brazilian coasts, which would render it easy to maintain supplies. To -evoke sympathy amongst the smaller Republics would also come within -his horizon. Finally, he could have had little idea of our strength -in South Africa; whereas information gleaned from Valparaiso (which -von Spee evidently considered reliable) as to the precise extent of -our limited naval resources then on the east coast of South America, -must have proved a deciding factor in determining his strategy. - -Whichever course were adopted, it was practically certain that the -German Admiral would move eastwards, either through the Straits -of Magellan or, more probably, round the Horn to avoid having his -whereabouts reported. That this occurred to the minds of our naval -authorities before the action off Coronel took place is practically -certain, but it is to be regretted that reinforcements to Admiral -Cradock's squadron operating in South American waters were not sent -there in time to prevent that disaster. - -This, then, in brief, was the problem that presented itself to our -commanders after the battle of Coronel took place, and no doubt -influenced them in the choice of the Falkland Islands as a base, its -geographical position making it almost ideal in the event of any move -in that direction on the part of the Germans. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -BRITISH MEN-OF-WAR OFF SOUTH AMERICA - - "If England hold - The sea, she holds the hundred thousand gates - That open to futurity. She holds - The highways of all ages. Argosies - Of unknown glory set their sails this day - For England out of ports beyond the stars. - Ay, on the sacred seas we ne'er shall know - They hoist their sails this day by peaceful quays, - Great gleaming wharves i' the perfect City of God, - If she but claims her heritage." - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -Before attempting to give a description of the battle of the Falkland -Islands, it is necessary to review very briefly the movements and -dispositions of our ships, as well as the events preceding the -battle, which include both the duel between the armed merchant -cruiser _Carmania_ and _Cap Trafalgar_ and the action fought off -Coronel on the coast of Chile by Admiral Cradock. - -Our naval forces were scattered in comparatively small units all -over the world when war broke out. Ships in various squadrons -were separated from one another by great distances, and, with the -exception of our Mediterranean Fleet, we possessed no squadron in any -part of the globe equal in strength to that of von Spee. - -Attention is directed to the positions of Easter Island, where the -Germans had last been reported, Valparaiso, Coronel, Magellan -Straits, Staten Island, the Falkland Islands, Buenos Ayres, -Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco, and the Island of Trinidad -off the east coast of South America, since they occur continually in -the course of this narrative.[3] - -In the early part of 1914 Rear-Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock, -K.C.V.O., C.B., flying his flag in the _Suffolk_, was in command -of the fourth cruiser squadron, which was then doing some very -useful work in the Gulf of Mexico. On August 2nd he was at Kingston, -Jamaica, and received information that the _Good Hope_ was on her way -out to become his flagship, so he sailed northwards to meet her. On -the way he sighted and gave chase to the _Karlsruhe_ on August 6th, -as has been related. The _Suffolk_ and the _Good Hope_ met at sea ten -days later, and the Admiral went on board the latter immediately and -hoisted his flag. - -Turning south, he went to Bermuda, called in at St. Lucia on August -23rd, and thence proceeded along the north coast of South America -on his way to take up the command of a newly forming squadron of -British ships patrolling the trade routes and protecting the merchant -shipping in South American waters. At St. Lucia Admiral Cradock would -probably have learned of the sailing of von Spee's squadron from -Ponape on August 6th, and this accounts for his haste in making south -in order to meet and form his ships together. - -The squadron was gradually augmented as time went on, and in the -months of September and October, 1914, consisted of the flagship -_Good Hope_ (Captain Philip Francklin), _Canopus_ (Captain Heathcoat -Grant), _Monmouth_ (Captain Frank Brandt), _Cornwall_ (Captain W. M. -Ellerton), _Glasgow_ (Captain John Luce), _Bristol_ (Captain B. H. -Fanshawe), and the armed merchant cruisers _Otranto_ (Captain H. McI. -Edwards), _Macedonia_ (Captain B. S. Evans), and _Orama_ (Captain J. -R. Segrave). - - -No news was obtainable as to the whereabouts of the German squadron -stationed in the Pacific, which consisted of the _Scharnhorst_, -_Gneisenau_, _Emden_, _Nürnberg_, and _Leipzig_, except that it was -known that the two latter had been operating on the east side of the -Pacific, and that the _Emden_ was in the Bay of Bengal. The vaguest -rumours, all contradicting one another, were continually being -circulated, in which it is more than likely that German agents had a -large share. - -Admiral Cradock proceeded south in the middle of September to -watch the Straits of Magellan, and to patrol between there and -the River Plate, as he doubtless hoped to prevent the _Karlsruhe_ -and _Dresden_--which, when last heard of, were in South American -waters--from attempting to effect a junction with their main -squadron. With him were the _Monmouth_, _Glasgow_, and the armed -Orient liner _Otranto_, in addition to his own ship the _Good Hope_, -which, together with his colliers, had their first base in the -Falkland Islands. - -On hearing of the appearance of the Germans off Papeete and of the -bombardment of the French colony there on September 22nd, it was -apparently considered expedient to proceed to the west coast of South -America in order to intercept the enemy. Accordingly, early in -October the _Monmouth_, _Glasgow_, and _Otranto_ went round to the -Pacific, diligently searching out the many inlets and harbours _en -route_, and arrived at Valparaiso on October 15th, but only stayed -a part of one day in order to get stores and provisions. They then -went back southwards to meet the _Good Hope_ and _Canopus_, vainly -hoping to fall in with the _Leipzig_ or _Dresden_ on the way. The -_Good Hope_ reached the Chilean coast on October 29th, and all ships -filled up with coal; the _Canopus_ was due very shortly, and actually -sighted our ships steaming off as she arrived. - -In order to carry out a thorough and effective examination of the -innumerable inlets that abound amongst the channels of Tierra del -Fuego, in addition to the bays and harbours on both coasts of South -America, it became necessary to divide up this squadron into separate -units. To expedite matters, colliers were sent to meet our ships, so -that valuable time should not be lost in returning to the base at the -Falkland Islands. The first fine day was seized to fill up with coal, -care always being taken to keep outside the three-mile territorial -limit. - -It must have been a trying and anxious time for both officers and -men, while pursuing their quest, never knowing what force might -suddenly be disclosed in opening out one of these harbours. From the -weather usually experienced in these parts some idea may be formed of -the discomforts. An officer in the _Glasgow_, writing of this period, -says: "It blew, snowed, rained, hailed, and sleeted as hard as it -is possible to do these things. I thought the ship would dive under -altogether at times. It was a short sea, and very high, and doesn't -suit this ship a bit. The _Monmouth_ was rather worse, if anything, -though not quite so wet. We were rolling 35 degrees, and quite -useless for fighting purposes. The ship was practically a submarine." - -Imagine, too, the position of the _Otranto_, searching these waters -by herself, without the least hope of being able to fight on level -terms with one of the enemy's light-cruisers. The words of one of her -officers sum up the situation: "We finally got past caring what might -happen," he said; "what with the strain, the weather, and the extreme -cold, we longed to find something and to have it out, one way or the -other." - -When the depredations of the _Karlsruhe_ became more numerous, the -Admiralty dispatched ships--as could best be spared from watching -other trade routes--to reinforce Admiral Cradock's command. Thus, -what may be termed a second squadron was formed, consisting of -the _Canopus_, _Cornwall_, _Bristol_, the armed P. & O. liner -_Macedonia_, and the armed Orient liner _Orama_. This latter squadron -carried out a fruitless search during September and October for the -ever elusive _Karlsruhe_, but, so far as is known, did not succeed in -getting near her, for she was never actually sighted. In the absence -of orders from Admiral Cradock, the duties of Senior Naval Officer -of this northern squadron frequently involved the consideration of -matters of no little consequence. These duties primarily devolved -upon the shoulders of Captain Fanshawe of the _Bristol_, who was -succeeded on the arrival of the _Canopus_ by Captain Heathcoat Grant. -As the poor state of the engines of the _Canopus_ did not enable -her to steam at any speed, she remained at the base and directed -operations, forming a valuable link with her wireless. Orders, -however, were received from Admiral Cradock which necessitated her -sailing on October 10th in order to join his southern squadron, so -that Captain Fanshawe was again left in command. - -On October 24th the _Carnarvon_ (Captain H. L. d'E. Skipwith) -arrived, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A. P. Stoddart, who, though -acting under the orders of Admiral Cradock, now took charge of the -sweeping operations necessitated by our quest. Admiral Stoddart had -previously been in command of the ships operating along our trade -routes near the Cape Verde Islands, where the _Carnarvon_ had not -long before made a valuable capture, the German storeship _Professor -Woermann_, filled with coal and ammunition. - -The comparatively large number of men-of-war mentioned is accounted -for by the fact that at this time the _Karlsruhe_ began to make her -presence felt by sinking more merchant ships, which caused no little -apprehension amongst the mercantile communities in all the ports on -the north and east coasts of South America, Brazilian firms at this -period refusing to ship their goods in British bottoms, although some -British vessels were lying in harbour awaiting cargoes. The German -ship's activities were mainly confined to the neighbourhood of St. -Paul's Rocks, Pernambuco, and the Equator. - -It is not easy to put clearly the disposition of the ships acting -under Admiral Cradock at this time, nor to give an adequate idea of -the many disadvantages with which he had to contend. The difficulties -of communication on the east coast of South America between his two -squadrons were very great, on account of the long distances between -them (often some thousands of miles and always greater than the range -of our wireless). The only method found feasible was to send messages -in code by means of passing British merchantmen--usually the Royal -Mail liners. The inevitable result of this was that it was frequently -impossible for Admiral Cradock to keep in touch with his northern -squadron, and important matters of policy had thus to be decided on -the spot, the Admiral being informed later. - - -On the rare occasions that our ships visited Brazilian ports, which -were crowded with German shipping, the crews of these ships, having -nothing better to do, would come and pull round our cruisers--in -all probability cursing us heartily the while--much to the interest -and amusement of our men. These visits could only take place at the -most once every three months, when the opportunity of getting a good -square meal at a civilised restaurant was hailed with delight by -those officers who were off duty. - -Our coaling base in these waters was admirably selected. There was -sufficient anchorage for a large number of ships four or five miles -from any land, but protected from anything but a heavy swell or sea -by surrounding ledges of coral awash at low water. Sometimes colliers -got slightly damaged by bumping against our ships when there was a -swell, but in other respects it suited its purpose excellently. The -Brazilians sent a destroyer to investigate once or twice, but could -find nothing to arouse their susceptibilities, for our ships were -always well outside the three-mile limit. Our sole amusement was -fishing, frequently for sharks. - - -Towards the latter part of August, the armed merchant cruiser -_Carmania_ (Captain Noel Grant) was sent out to join Admiral -Cradock's squadron with coal, provisions, and a large quantity of -frozen meat, which was sadly needed. She was ordered by him to assist -the _Cornwall_ in watching Pernambuco on September 11th, as it was -thought that the German storeship _Patagonia_ was going to put to -sea on September 11th to join the _Karlsruhe_. On her way south she -got orders to search Trinidad Island in the South Atlantic to find -out whether the Germans were making use of it as a coaling base, and -there fell in with the German armed liner _Cap Trafalgar_, which -she sank in a very gallant action that is described in a subsequent -chapter. - -The armed merchant cruiser _Edinburgh Castle_ (Captain W. R. Napier) -was sent out from England with drafts of seamen and boys, as well -as provisions and stores for our men-of-war in these waters. On her -arrival at the base on October 12th, she was detained on service -to assist in the sweep that had been organised to search for the -_Karlsruhe_. Some of us have pleasant recollections of excellent -games of deck hockey played on the spacious promenade deck during her -all too short stay with us. - -The _Defence_ (Captain E. La T. Leatham) touched at the base to coal -on October 27th, being on her way south to join Admiral Cradock's -southern command. She had to coal in bad weather, and perforated the -collier's side in doing so, but succeeded in completing with coal in -the minimum possible time under difficult conditions. Without loss -of time she proceeded to Montevideo, but never got any farther, as -it was there that the news of the Coronel disaster first reached -her. Admiral Cradock hoped to find von Spee before the German -light-cruisers _Dresden_ and _Leipzig_ joined the main squadron; -but he also was most anxious to wait for the _Defence_. She would -have made a very powerful addition to his squadron, and it seems a -thousand pities that it was not possible to effect this junction -before he quitted the eastern shores of South America for the Pacific. - -The _Defence_ was very unlucky, and had a great deal of hard work -without any kudos; not till Admiral Sturdee's arrival did she leave -to join the _Minotaur_ on the Cape of Good Hope station, and the -very day she arrived there got the news of the Falkland Islands -battle! Having covered 23,000 miles in two and a half months, the -disappointment at having missed that fight was, of course, intense. -It is sad to think that few of her gallant crew are alive to-day, as -she was afterwards sunk in the battle of Jutland. - - -The _Invincible_, flagship of Vice-Admiral F. C. Doveton Sturdee -(Captain P. H. Beamish), the _Inflexible_ (Captain R. F. Phillimore, -C.B., M.V.O.), and the _Kent_ (Captain J. D. Allen) enter the scene -of operations later. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -LIFE AT SEA IN 1914 - - "A seaman, smiling, swaggered out of the inn, - Swinging in one brown hand a gleaming cage - Wherein a big green parrot chattered and clung - Fluttering against the wires." - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -A short digression may perhaps be permitted, if it can portray the -long days, when for months at a time little occurs to break the -monotony of sea life. The reader may also experience the charitable -feeling that, at the expense of his patience, the sailor is indulging -in the "grouse" that proverbially is supposed to be so dear to him. - -Of necessity, work on board ship in wartime must be largely a matter -of routine; and, though varied as much as possible, it tends to -relapse into "the trivial round, the common task." All day and all -night men man the guns ready to blaze off at any instant, extra -look-outs are posted, and there are officers and men in the control -positions. The ship's company is usually organised into three watches -at night, which take turns in relieving one another every four hours. - -After sunrise the increased visibility gives ample warning of any -possible attack. The messdecks, guns, and ship generally are cleaned -before breakfast, while the forenoon soon passes in perfecting the -guns' crews and controls, and in physical drill. After dinner at -noon and a smoke, everyone follows the old custom of the sea, and has -a caulk (a sleep)--a custom originated in the days of sailing ships -who were at sea for long periods at a time, and watch and watch (i.e. -one watch on and one off) had to be maintained both day and night. -The men lie about the decks, too tired to feel the want of either -mattresses or pillows. The first dog watch (4-6 P.M.) is usually -given up to recreation until sunset, when it is time to go to night -defence stations. Day in and day out, this programme is seldom varied -except to stop and examine a merchant ship now and again. - -Every ship met with on the high seas is boarded for the examination -of its passengers and cargo, an undertaking often attended by some -difficulty on a dark night. On approaching, it is customary to -signal the ship to stop; if this is not obeyed at once, a blank -round is fired as a warning; should this be disregarded a shotted -round is fired across her bows, but it is seldom necessary to resort -to this measure. At night these excursions have a strange, unreal -effect, and our boarding officer used to say that when climbing up a -merchantman's side in rough weather he felt like some character in -a pirate story. Getting out of a boat, as it is tossing alongside, -on to a rope ladder, is by no means an easy job, especially if the -officer is inclined to be portly. The searchlight, too, turned full -on to the ship, blinding the scared passengers who come tumbling -up, frequently imagining they have been torpedoed, adds to the -mysterious effect produced, whilst the sudden appearance of the -boarding officer in his night kit suggests a visit from Father -Neptune. But any idea of comedy is soon shattered by the grumpy -voice of the captain who has been turned out from his beauty sleep, -or by the vehement objections of a lady or her husband to their -cabin being searched. As a matter of fact, we were always met with -the most unfailing courtesy, and the boat's crew was often loaded -with presents of cigarettes or even chocolates, besides parcels of -newspapers hastily made up and thrown down at the last moment. - -Off a neutral coast the food problem is an everlasting difficulty, -and as soon as the canteen runs out and tinned stores cannot be -replenished, the menu resolves itself into a more or less fixed item -of salt beef ("salt horse") or salt pork with pea soup. The old -saying, "Feed the brute, if a man is to be kept happy," has proved -itself true, but is one which at sea is often extraordinarily hard -to follow, especially when it is impossible to get such luxuries as -eggs, potatoes, and fresh meat. If flour runs out, the ship's biscuit -("hard tack"), which often requires a heavy blow to break it, forms -but a poor substitute for bread; although it is quite good eating, -a little goes a long way. The joy with which the advent of an armed -liner is heralded by the officers cannot well be exaggerated; the -stewards from all ships lose no time in trying to get all they can, -and the memory of the first excellent meal is not easily forgotten. - -The ever-recurring delight of coaling ship is looked forward to -directly anchorage is reached. Coal-dust then penetrates everywhere, -even to the food, and after a couple of hours it seems impossible -for the ship ever to be clean again. Nearly every officer and man on -board, including the chaplain and paymasters, join in the work, which -continues day and night, as a rule, until finished. If this takes -more than twenty-four hours there is the awful trial of sleeping, -clothes and all, covered in grime, for hammocks have to be foregone, -else they would be quite unfit for further use. The men wear any -clothes they like. In the tropics it is a warm job working in the -holds, and clothes are somewhat scanty. A very popular article is -a bashed-in bowler hat, frequently worn with white shorts, and a -football jersey! There is, generally, a wag amongst the men who keeps -them cheery and happy, even during a tropical rain storm. His powers -of mimicking, often ranging from politicians to gunnery instructors, -bring forth rounds of applause, and all the time he'll dig out like a -Trojan. - -The sailor is a cheery bird, and seldom lets an opportunity of -amusement escape. On one occasion, when lying at anchor in the -tropics, someone suggested fishing; after the first fish had been -caught many rods and lines were soon going. A would-be wit enlivened -matters by tying an empty soda-water bottle on to a rather excitable -man's line while he was away, which met with great success on the -owner crying out, "I've got a real big 'un here" as he carefully -played it to the delight of everyone. Shark fishing was a favourite -sport, and three were caught and landed in one afternoon; one of them -had three small sharks inside it. - -The band (very few ships had the good fortune to possess one) plays -from 4.30 to 5.30 P.M., when Jack disports himself in Mazurkas -and d'Alberts, and dances uncommonly well before a very critical -audience. Some men are always busy at their sewing machines when off -duty, making clothes for their messmates; this they call "jewing"; -others are barbers, or bootmakers, and they make quite a good -thing out of it. Now that masts and sails are things of the past, -substitutes in the way of exercise are very necessary, particularly -when living on salt food. Boxing is greatly encouraged, and if -competitions are organised, men go into strict training and the -greatest keenness prevails. A canvas salt-water bath is usually -rigged, and is in constant demand with the younger men. The officers -congregate in flannels on the quarter-deck playing quoits, deck -tennis, or cricket; some go in for doing Swedish exercises, Müller, -or club swinging, and, to finish up with, a party is formed to run -round the decks. - -The Admiralty are extraordinarily good about dispatching mails to our -ships, but sudden and unexpected movements often make it impossible -to receive them with any regularity. When war broke out everyone -wondered how their folk at home would manage, whether money and food -would be easily obtainable. In our own case we were moved from our -original sphere of operations, and did not get our first mail till -October 19th, over eleven weeks after leaving England, and many -other ships may have fared even worse. Again, our Christmas mail of -1914 was not received till six months afterwards, having followed -us to the Falkland Islands, then back home, out again round the -Cape of Good Hope, finally arriving at the Dardanelles. On this -occasion one of the men had a pound of mutton and a plum pudding -sent him by his wife; it can easily be imagined with what delight he -welcomed these delicacies, which had been through the tropics several -times, as did those others whose parcels were anywhere near his in -the mail bag. It may appear a paltry thing to those who get their -daily post regularly, but the arrival of a mail at sea is a very -real joy, even to those who get but few letters. The newspapers are -eagerly devoured, and events, whose bare occurrence may have only -become known through meagre wireless communiqués, are at length made -comprehensible. - -Darkening ship at sunset is uncomfortable, more particularly in the -tropics, when the heat on the messdecks becomes unbearable from lack -of air. However, this is now much improved by supplying wind-scoops -for the scuttles, fitted with baffles to prevent the light from -showing outboard. Everyone sleeps on deck who can, risking the -pleasures of being trodden upon in the dark, or of being drenched by -a sudden tropical shower, when the scrum of men hastily snatching -up their hammocks and running for the hatches equals that of any -crowd at a football match. On moonless nights little diversions are -constantly occurring. A certain officer, perfectly sober, on one -occasion walked over the edge of the boat-deck into space, and then -was surprised to find that he was hurt. - -The hardships and anxieties of the life are probably overrated by -people ashore. The very routine helps to make the sailor accustomed -to the strange and unnatural conditions, nearly all of which have -their humorous side. As is the way of the world, we on the coast of -South America all envied those in the Grand Fleet at this time, in -modern ships fitted with refrigerating rooms and plenty of good fresh -food; and they, no doubt, willingly would have changed places with -us, being sick to death of the uneventful life, cold, rough weather, -and constant submarine strain from which we were fortunately immune. -Events took such a shape a few months later that those of us who were -fortunate enough to be in the battle of the Falkland Islands would -not have been elsewhere for all the world. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE SINKING OF THE "CAP TRAFALGAR" - - "When, with a roar that seemed to buffet the heavens - And rip the heart of the sea out, one red flame - Blackened with fragments, the great galleon burst - Asunder! All the startled waves were strewn - With wreckage; and Drake laughed: 'My lads, we have diced - With death to-day, and won!'" - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -It has already been mentioned that the _Carmania_ was ordered to -search the Brazilian island of Trinidad (not to be confused with the -British Island of the same name), which lies in the South Atlantic -about 600 miles to the eastward of South America, and in about the -same latitude as Rio de Janeiro. It was uninhabited at this time, and -seemed a likely place for the Germans to use as a temporary coaling -base; they have never had any compunction about breaking the laws of -neutrality if it suited their purpose. - -The following narrative is taken from the official report, -supplemented by an account written by the author two days after -the action from a description given him by the officers of H.M.S. -_Carmania_. - -Land was sighted on the morning of September 14th, 1914. A moderate -breeze was blowing from the north-east, but it was a lovely day, with -a clear sky and the sun shining. Shortly after 11 A.M. the masts of a -vessel were observed, and on approaching nearer the _Carmania_ made -out three steamers, apparently at anchor in a small bay that lies to -the south-west of the island. One of these was a large liner, but the -others were clearly colliers and had their derricks topped; they were -probably working when they sighted us, and they immediately separated -and made off in different directions before the whole of their hulls -could be distinguished. - -The large vessel was apparently a liner about equal in size,[4] -having two funnels which were painted to resemble those of a Union -Castle liner. After running away for a while, the larger steamer, -which turned out to be the _Cap Trafalgar_ (though this was not known -for certain till weeks afterwards), altered course to starboard and -headed more in our direction. She was then steering about south at -what appeared to be full speed, while the _Carmania_ was steaming 16 -knots on a sou'-westerly course. - -There could no longer be any doubt that she meant to fight, and the -duel now ensued that has been so happily described by a gifted naval -writer, the late Fred T. Jane, as "the Battle of the Haystacks." -To my idea, it appears almost a replica of the frigate actions of -bygone days, and will probably go down in history as a parallel to -the engagement fought between the _Chesapeake_ and _Shannon_. For -gallantry, pluck and determination it certainly bears comparison with -many of these actions of the past. - -About noon she fired a single shot across the enemy's bows at a -range of 8,500 yards, whereupon he immediately opened fire from his -after-gun on the starboard side. This was quickly followed on both -sides by salvoes (all guns firing nearly simultaneously as soon as -their sights came on to the target), so matters at once became lively. - -Curiously enough, the enemy's first few shots fell short, ricocheting -over, and then, as the range decreased, they went clean over the -hull, in consequence of which our rigging, masts, funnels, derricks, -and ventilators all suffered, though the ship's side near the -waterline--the principal anxiety--was so far intact. Some of the -_Carmania's_ first shots, which were fired at a range of 7,500 -yards, were seen to take effect, and she continued to score hits -afterwards with moderate frequency. The port battery was engaging -his starboard guns at this period, so that he was on her port hand, -and a reference to the plan will show that she was ahead on bearing. -The range was rapidly decreasing since they were both on converging -courses, but unfortunately the German ship had the speed of her, for -the Cunarder could only do 16 knots, due largely to a lack of vacuum -in the condensers. As far as could be judged the _Cap Trafalgar_ was -steaming between 17 and 18 knots. (_See_ Diagram, p. 39.) - -At 4,500 yards, two of our broadsides were seen to hit all along the -waterline. As the range decreased to 4,000 yards the shot from the -enemy's pom-poms (machine guns), fired with great rapidity, began -to fall like hail on and all round the ship; this induced Captain -Grant to alter course away with promptitude, thus opening out -the range and bringing the starboard battery into play. The port -4.7-inch guns--they were all over twenty years old--were by this time -wellnigh red-hot. That the enemy did not apprehend this manœuvre was -demonstrated by his erratic fire at this moment, when the Britisher -was enabled to bring five guns into action to his four through being -able to use both the stern guns. It was now that the German suffered -most heavily, the havoc wrought in such a short time being very -noticeable. He then turned away, which brought the two ships nearly -stern on to one another; two of his steam pipes were cut by shell, -the steam rising into the sky, he was well on fire forward, and had a -list to starboard. - -[Illustration: (Diagram of action between 'CARMANIA' and 'CAP -TRAFALGAR'.) - - The Mappa Co. Ltd London -] - -One of his shells, however, had passed through the captain's cabin -under the fore bridge, and although it did not burst it started a -fire, which rapidly became worse; unhappily no water was available to -put it out, for the fire main was shot through, while the chemical -fire extinguishers proved of little use. All water had to be carried -by hand, but luckily the fire was prevented from spreading over the -ship by a steel bulkhead, together with an ordinary fire-proof swing -door, which was afterwards found to be all charred on one side. -Nevertheless it got a firm hold of the deck above, which broke into -flame, so the fore-bridge had to be abandoned. The ship had now to -be steered from the stern, and all orders had to be shouted down by -megaphone both to the engine rooms and to this new steering position -in the bowels of the ship, which was connected up and in operation in -fifty-seven seconds! To reduce the effect of the fire the vessel was -kept before the wind, which necessitated turning right round again, -so that the fight resolved itself into a chase. - -The action was continued by the gun-layers, the fire-control position -being untenable due to the fire, so each gun had to be worked and -fired independently under the direction of its own officer. Among -the ammunition supply parties there had been several casualties and -the officers, finding it impossible to "spot" the fall of the shell, -owing to the flashes from the enemy's guns obscuring their view from -so low an elevation, lent a hand in carrying the ammunition from the -hoists to the guns. In these big liners the upper deck, where the -guns are mounted, is approximately 70 feet above the holds, whence -the ammunition has to be hoisted and then carried by hand to the -guns--a particularly arduous task. - -Crossing, as it were, the enemy was at this time well on the -starboard bow, but firing was continued until the distance was over -9,000 yards, the maximum range of the _Carmania's_ guns. Owing to -his superior speed and a slight divergence between the courses, the -distance was gradually increasing all the time, and at 1.30 he was -out of range. His list had now visibly increased, and his speed began -to diminish, probably on account of the inrush of water through his -coaling ports. It was surmised that there had not been sufficient -time to secure these properly, for he had evidently been coaling at -the time she arrived upon the scene. - -Towards the end the _Cap Trafalgar's_ fire had begun to slacken, -though one of her guns continued to fire to the last, in spite of -the fact that she was out of range. It became patent that she -was doomed, and her every movement was eagerly watched through -field-glasses for some minutes by those not occupied in quenching -the fire. Suddenly the great vessel heeled right over; her funnels -being almost parallel to the surface of the sea, looked just like two -gigantic cannon as they pointed towards the _Carmania_; an instant -later she went down by the bows, the stern remaining poised in -mid-air for a few seconds, and then she abruptly disappeared out of -sight at 1.50 P.M., the duel having lasted an hour and forty minutes. - -There were no two opinions about the good fight she had put up, and -all were loud in their praise of the gallant conduct of the Germans. - -One of the enemy's colliers was observed approaching this scene of -desolation in order to pick up survivors, some of whom had got away -from the sinking ship in her boats. The collier had been flying the -United States ensign, evidently as a ruse, in the hope that the -_Carmania_ might be induced to let her pass without stopping her -for examination. It was, however, impossible to interfere with her -owing to the fire that was still raging in the fore part of the ship. -This kept our men at work trying to get it under, and necessitated -keeping the ship running before the wind, the direction of which did -not permit of approaching the spot in order to attempt to pick up -survivors. - -Smoke was now seen away to the northward, and the signalman reported -that he thought he could make out the funnels of a cruiser. As the -_Cap Trafalgar_, before sinking, had been in wireless communication -with some German vessel, it was apprehended that one might be -coming to her assistance. As the _Carmania_ was totally unfit for -further action, it was deemed advisable to avoid the risk of another -engagement, so she steamed off at full speed in a southerly direction. - -As soon as the collier and all that remained of the wreckage of the -_Cap Trafalgar_ was lost to view the gallant Cunarder was turned -to the north-westward in the direction of the anchorage. She was -unseaworthy, nearly all her navigational instruments and all the -communications to the engines were destroyed, making the steering and -navigation of the ship difficult and uncertain. When wireless touch -was established, the _Cornwall_ was called up and asked to meet and -escort her in. But as she had only just started coaling she asked the -_Bristol_ to take her place. The next day the _Bristol_, which was in -the vicinity, took the _Carmania_ along until relieved the same night -by the _Cornwall_, which escorted her on to the base, where temporary -repairs were effected. - -One of the enemy's shells was found to have passed through three -thicknesses of steel plating without exploding, but in spite of this -it set fire to some bedding which caused the conflagration under -the fore bridge. Where projectiles had struck solid iron, such as -a winch, splinters of the latter were to be seen scattered in all -directions. The ship was hit seventy-nine times, causing no fewer -than 304 holes. - -There were 38 casualties. Five men were killed outright, 4 -subsequently died from wounds, 5 were seriously wounded and 22 -wounded--most of the latter were only slightly injured. All the -casualties occurred on deck, chiefly among the guns' crews and -ammunition supply parties. No one below was touched, but a third of -those employed on deck were hit. - - -The following remarks may be of interest, and are taken from the -author's letters, written on September 16th, after having been shown -over the _Carmania_: - -"When I went on board this morning, I was greatly struck by the few -fatal casualties considering the number of holes here, there, and -everywhere. Not a single part of the upper deck could be crossed -without finding holes. A remarkable fact was that only one officer, -Lieutenant Murray, R.N.R., was hurt or damaged in any way, although -the officers were in the most exposed positions, and the enemy's -point of aim appeared to be the fore bridge. - -"They had only three active service ratings on board; some of the -gunlayers were old men, pensioners from the Navy. - -"One of the senior officers told me that the first few rounds made -him feel 'a bit dickey,' but that after that he took no notice of the -bigger shells, though, curiously enough, he thoroughly objected to -the smaller pom-poms which were 'most irritating.' He added that the -men fought magnificently, and that the firemen worked 'like hell.' As -flames and smoke from the fire on deck descended to the stokeholds by -the ventilators instead of cool air, the states of things down below -may easily be imagined. - -"One chronometer was found to be going in spite of the wooden box -which contained it having been burnt. - -"The deeds of heroism were many. - -"I liked the story of the little bugler boy, who had no more to -do once the action had commenced, so he stood by one of the guns -refusing to go under cover. As the gun fired he shouted: 'That's one -for the blighters!' And again: 'There's another for the beggars--go -it!' smacking the gunshield the while with his hand. - -"Again one of the gunlayers, who lost his hand and also one leg -during the engagement, insisted upon being held up when the German -ship sank, so as to be able to cheer. I talked to him, and he waggled -his stump at me quite cheerily and said, 'It was well worth losing an -arm for.' - -"It is good to feel that the spirit of our forefathers is still -active in time of need." - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -THE ACTION OFF CORONEL - - "Then let him roll - His galleons round the little Golden Hynde, - Bring her to bay, if he can, on the high seas, - Ring us about with thousands, we'll not yield, - I and my Golden Hynde, we will go down, - With flag still flying on the last stump left us - And all my cannon spitting the fires - Of everlasting scorn into his face." - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -The wanderings of the German squadron in the Pacific have been -briefly traced as far as Easter Island, where it arrived on October -12th, 1914, and found the _Dresden_. The _Leipzig_, which had been -chased from pillar to post by British and Japanese cruisers, and -succeeded in eluding them, joined up shortly after to the relief of -the German Admiral. - -The contractor at Easter Island, an Englishman named Edwards, -who supplied the Germans with fresh meat and vegetables, was a -ranch-owner, and had no idea that war had even been declared. One -of his men, in taking off provisions to the ships, discovered this -amazing fact, which had carefully been kept secret, and informed -his master. The account was not settled in cash, but by a bill made -payable at Valparaiso. The German squadron sailed for Mas-a-Fuera -a week later, so the ranch-owner took the earliest opportunity of -sending in his bill to Valparaiso, where it was duly honoured, vastly -to his astonishment and relief. - -For the reasons already adduced, it seemed almost certain that -Admiral von Spee would make his way round South America. That there -was a possibility of his descending upon Vancouver and attacking -the naval dockyard of Esquimalt is acknowledged, but it was so -remote as to be scarcely worthy of serious consideration. The three -Japanese cruisers, _Idzuma_, _Hizen_, and _Asama_, were understood -to be in the eastern Pacific at this time, and this was probably -known to the German Admiral. The risk, too, that he must inevitably -run in attacking a locality known to possess submarines was quite -unjustifiable; besides, he had little to gain and everything to lose -through the delay that must ensue from adopting such a policy. - -The vessels engaged in the action off Coronel, with their armament, -etc., were:[5] - - _Names_ _Tonnage_ _Armament_ _Speed_ _Completion_ - - _Good Hope_ 14,100 2--9.2" 23.5 1902 - 16--6" - _Monmouth_ 9,800 14--6" 23.3 1903 - _Glasgow_ 4,800 2--6" 25.8 1910 - 10--4" - _Otranto_ (armed 12,000 8--4.7" 18 1909 - liner) gross - - Speed of squadron 18 knots. - - _Names_ _Tonnage_ _Armament_ _Speed_ _Completion_ - - _Scharnhorst_ 11,420 8--8.2" 22.5 1908 - 6--5.9" - 20--3.4" - _Gneisenau_ 11,420 8--8.2" 23.8 1908 - 6--5.9" - 20--3.4" - _Leipzig_ 3,200 10--4.1" 23 1906 - _Dresden_ 3,544 12--4.1" 27 1908 - 4--2.1" - _Nürnberg_ 3,396 10--4.1" 23.5 1908 - 8--2.1" - Speed of squadron 22.5 knots. - -It will be noticed that our two armoured cruisers were respectively -six and five years older than the Germans'. Our armament was much -inferior in size, number, and quality on account of the later -designs of the enemy's artillery. The range of the German 4.1-inch -guns was _nearly equal to that of our 6-inch guns_. But perhaps the -greatest point in favour of the enemy was the fact that Cradock's -ships, with the exception of the _Glasgow_, were only commissioned -at the outbreak of war, and had had such continuous steaming that -no really good opportunity for gunnery practices or for testing the -organisation thoroughly had been possible, whilst von Spee's had -been in commission for over two years and had highly trained crews, -accustomed to their ships. - -The following account has been compiled from personal information -received from officers who took part, from letters that have appeared -in the Press, from a translation that has been published of Admiral -von Spee's official report, and from the official report made by -Captain Luce of the _Glasgow_. - -Admiral Cradock, as we have seen, joined the remainder of his little -squadron with the exception of the _Canopus_ off the coast of Chile -on October 29th. The latter was following at her best speed. The -squadron proceeded northwards, whilst the _Glasgow_ was detached to -Coronel to send telegrams, a rendezvous being fixed for her to rejoin -at 1 P.M. on November 1st. - -No authentic news of the movements of the Germans was available at -this time; in fact, the last time that von Spee's squadron had been -definitely heard of was when it appeared off Papeete and bombarded -the town toward the end of September. That the enemy might be -encountered at any moment was of course fully realised, but it was -hoped that either the _Dresden_ and _Leipzig_ or the main squadron -might be brought to action separately, before they were able to -join forces. Time was everything if this was to be brought about, -so Admiral Cradock pushed on without delay. The anxiety to obtain -news of a reliable character may be imagined, but only the vaguest -of rumours, one contradicting the other, were forthcoming. Reports -showed that the German merchant shipping in the neighbourhood were -exhibiting unwonted signs of energy in loading coal and stores, -but this gave no certain indication of the proximity of the entire -squadron. - -Rejoining the British squadron at sea on November 1st, the _Glasgow_ -communicated with the _Good Hope_. Our ships had recently been -hearing Telefunken[6] signals on their wireless, which was proof -that one or more enemy warships were close at hand. About 2 P.M., -therefore, the Admiral signalled the squadron to spread on a line -bearing N.E. by E. from the _Good Hope_, which steered N.W. by N. at -10 knots. Ships were ordered to open to a distance of fifteen miles -apart at a speed of 15 knots, the _Monmouth_ being nearest to the -flagship, the _Otranto_ next, and then the _Glasgow_, which was thus -nearest the coast. - -[Illustration: DIAGRAM I. (Enemy sighted) 4.20 p.m.] - -There was not sufficient time to execute this manœuvre, and when -smoke was suddenly sighted at 4.20 P.M. to the eastward of the -_Otranto_ and _Glasgow_, these two ships were still close together -and about four miles from the _Monmouth_. The _Glasgow_ went ahead to -investigate and made out three German warships, which at once turned -towards her. The Admiral was over twenty miles, distant and out of -sight, and had to be informed as soon as possible, so the _Glasgow_ -returned at full speed, warning him by wireless, which the Germans -endeavoured to jam, that the enemy was in sight. - -The squadron reformed at full speed on the flagship, _who had altered -course to the southward_, and by 5.47 P.M. had got into single -line-ahead in the order: _Good Hope_, _Monmouth_, _Glasgow_, and -_Otranto_. The enemy, in similar formation, was about twelve miles -off. - -For the better understanding of the movements which follow, it may be -stated that the ideal of a naval artillerist is a good target--that -is, a clear and well defined object which is plainly visible through -the telescopic gunsights; the wind in the right direction, relative -to the engaged side, so that smoke does not blow across the guns, -and no sudden alterations of course, to throw out calculations. -The tactics of a modern naval action are in a large measure based -on these ideals, at any rate according to the view of the gunnery -specialist. - -It is evident that it was Admiral Cradock's intention to close in -and force action at short range as quickly as possible, in order -that the enemy might be handicapped by the rays of the lowering sun, -which would have been behind our ships, rendering them a very poor -target for the Germans as the squadrons drew abeam of one another. -He therefore altered course inwards towards the enemy, but von Spee -was either too wary or too wise, for he says in his report that he -turned away to a southerly course after 5.35, thus declining action, -which the superior speed of his squadron enabled him to do at his -pleasure. The wind was south (right ahead), and it was blowing very -fresh, so that a heavy head sea was encountered, which made all -ships--especially the light-cruisers--pitch and roll considerably. It -seems very doubtful whether the _Good Hope_ and _Monmouth_ were able -to use their main deck guns, and it is certain that they could not -have been of any value. This would mean that these two ships could -only fire two 9.2-inch and ten 6-inch guns on the broadside between -them, instead of their whole armament of two 9.2-inch and seventeen -6-inch guns. - -[Illustration: DIAGRAM II 6.40 p.m.] - -There was little daylight left when Admiral Cradock tried to close -the Germans, hoping that they would accept his challenge in view of -their superior strength. - -At 6.18 Admiral Cradock increased speed to 17 knots, making a -wireless message to the _Canopus_, "I am about to attack enemy now." -Both squadrons were now on parallel courses approximately, steering -south, and about 7½ miles apart. A second light cruiser joined the -German line about this period; according to von Spee's report the -_Scharnhorst_ was leading, followed by the _Gneisenau_, _Leipzig_, -and _Dresden_. - -As the sun sank below the horizon (about 6.50 P.M.) the conditions -of light became reversed to our complete disadvantage; our ships -were now lit up by the glow of the sunset, the enemy being gradually -enshrouded in a misty haze as the light waned. Admiral Cradock's -last hope of averting defeat must have vanished as he watched the -enemy turning away; at the best he could only expect to damage and -thus delay the enemy, while it was impossible to withdraw. He had no -choice but to hold on and do his best, trusting in Providence to aid -him. In judging what follows it should be kept in mind that in the -declining light even the outlines of the enemy's ships rapidly became -obliterated, making it quite impossible to see the fall of our shots -in order to correct the range on the gunsights; on the other hand, -our ships showed up sharply against the western horizon and still -provided good targets for the German gunners. Von Spee in his report -says his "guns' crews on the middle decks were never able to see the -sterns of their opponents, and only occasionally their bows." This -certainly implies that the upper deck gunners could see quite well, -whilst we have information from Captain Luce's report that our ships -were unable to see the enemy early in the action, and were firing at -the flashes of his guns. - -Accordingly, as soon as the sun disappeared, von Spee lost no time -in approaching our squadron, and opened fire at 7.4 at a range of -12,000 yards. Our ships at once followed suit with the exception -of the _Otranto_, whose old guns did not admit of her competing -against men-of-war at this distance. The German Admiral apparently -endeavoured to maintain this range, so as to reap the full advantage -of his newer and heavier armament, for the two 9.2-inch guns in the -_Good Hope_ were the only ones in the whole of our squadron that -were effective at this distance with the possible exception of the -two modern 6-inch guns in the _Glasgow_. Von Spee had, of course, -calculated this out, and took care not to close until our armoured -cruisers were _hors de combat_. - -The Germans soon found the range, their fire proving very accurate, -which was to be expected in view of the reputation of the -_Scharnhorst_ and _Gneisenau_ for good shooting--the former had -won the gold medal for the best average. These armoured cruisers -concentrated their fire entirely on our two leading ships, doing -considerable execution. In addition, they had a great stroke of luck, -for in the first ten minutes of the engagement a shell struck the -fore turret of the _Good Hope_, putting that 9.2-inch out of action. -The _Monmouth_ was apparently hit several times in rapid succession, -for she was forced to haul out of the line to the westward, and her -forecastle was seen to be burning furiously, but she continued to -return the enemy's fire valiantly. This manœuvre caused her to drop -astern, and compelled the _Glasgow_, who now followed on after the -_Good Hope_, to ease speed to avoid getting into the zone of fire -intended for the _Monmouth_. - -It was now growing dark, but this did not deter both squadrons from -continuing to blaze away as hard as they could; in fact, the fight -was at its height; the German projectiles were falling all round -and about our ships, causing several fires which lit them up with a -ghostly hue. The heavy artillery of the enemy was doing great damage, -and it was evident that both the _Good Hope_ and _Monmouth_ were in -a bad way; the former sheered over unsteadily towards the Germans, -returning their fire spasmodically, whilst the latter had a slight -list and from her erratic movements gave the impression that her -steering arrangements had been damaged. The results of our shooting -could not be distinguished with accuracy, though von Spee mentions -that the _Scharnhorst_ found a 6-inch shell in one of her storerooms, -which had penetrated the side and caused a deal of havoc below but -did not burst, and also that one funnel was hit. The _Gneisenau_ had -two men wounded, and sustained slight damage. - -At 7.50 P.M. a sight of the most appalling splendour arrested -everyone, as if spellbound, in his tussle with death. An enormous -sheet of flame suddenly burst from the _Good Hope_, lighting up the -whole heavens for miles around. This was accompanied by the noise -of a terrific explosion, which hurled up wreckage and sparks at -least a couple of hundred feet in the air from her after funnels. A -lucky shot had penetrated one of her magazines. "It reminded me of -Vesuvius in eruption," said a seaman in describing this spectacle. -It was now pitch dark, making it impossible for the opposing vessels -to distinguish one another. The _Good Hope_ was never heard to fire -her guns again, and could not have long survived such a terrible -explosion, though no one saw her founder. - -The moon had risen about 6.30 P.M. and was now well up, but it was -too overcast to see much. According to von Spee the squadrons had -closed in to about 5,400 yards, which caused him to sheer off, -fearing torpedo attack. It seems certain that although firing was -continued it could not have been effective, for three minutes -after the _Good Hope_ blew up the Germans ceased fire altogether. -Shortly afterwards von Spee ordered the _Leipzig_, _Dresden_, and -_Nürnberg_--the last-named having joined the squadron during the -action--to make a torpedo attack. - -The _Monmouth_ ceased firing just before the explosion on board the -_Good Hope_, and was then steering roughly N.W. It was clear she was -on her last legs, as her list had increased and she was down by the -bows. She now suddenly altered course to the N.E. in the direction -of the oncoming enemy. Captain Luce was senior naval officer, being -senior to Captain Brandt, of the _Monmouth_. He saw the Germans -approaching and signalled the _Monmouth_ at 8.30, "Enemy following -us," but received no reply. Clearly there was no alternative left -him but to save his ship, if he was not to make a needless sacrifice -of his men, as it was obvious that he could be of no further -assistance to his doomed consort. In addition, it was essential that -the _Canopus_ should be warned in time to avert a further calamity, -a task not so simple as it sounds, for the Germans were jamming -our wireless messages. It is said that when last seen the gallant -_Monmouth_ turned and made straight for the enemy in a heroic attempt -to ram one of their ships. Von Spee reports that the _Nürnberg_ sank -the _Monmouth_ at 9.28 P.M. by bombardment at point-blank range; this -accounts for the seventy-five flashes of gunfire as well as the play -of the beams of a search-light, which were observed by the _Glasgow_ -after leaving the scene of action. It must have been brutal work. - -Thus perished Admiral Cradock together with 1,600 gallant officers -and men. In fairness to the Germans it should be stated that our own -officers considered it too rough for boats to be lowered with any -safety. - -The _Glasgow_ had been subjected to the combined fire of the -_Leipzig_ and _Dresden_, whose gunnery was fortunately not very -effective owing to the long range maintained between the two -squadrons before the light failed. That she had withstood this -combined onslaught for fifty-two minutes (von Spee's report) was -remarkable, but that she had suffered no material damage was little -short of a miracle. Her casualties amounted to four men slightly -wounded. She was hit five times, on or near the water line, but not -in vital places. The protection afforded by the coal in her bunkers -saved her on three occasions, as otherwise in the nasty sea running -at the time she would have found herself in a very precarious -position. Of the remaining two hits, one penetrated the deck but did -not explode, while the other wrecked the captain's pantry and cabin. -There was one large hole, which luckily did not prevent her eluding -her pursuers at high speed by steering out to the W.N.W., and thence -in a wide circle to the southward to the Magellan Straits, finally -arriving at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. - -At the outset of the engagement the _Good Hope_ made a signal down -the line to the _Otranto_, the only words received being, "Leaving -_Otranto_." The latter, therefore, hauled out to endeavour to get -this signal direct from the flagship, but as the _Good Hope_ had -been badly hit, nothing further was received. As projectiles were -falling all round her, and it was realised that the _Otranto_, being -a large ship, would be used by the enemy as a rangefinder to enable -him to calculate the distance of the _Glasgow_, she hauled out still -farther to upset the accuracy of his gun-fire. The enemy proceeded -to carry this method of ranging into effect; the first salvo passed -over the _Otranto's_ bridge, the second missed the bows by 50 yards, -the third fell 150 yards astern, while others which followed fell, -some over, some short. By this time she had worked out of the line -about 1,200 yards, so turned to the same course, as far as could be -judged, as the remainder of the squadron. She was now out of range. -The _Otranto_ ran the gauntlet of the enemy's most successfully, -since she emerged from this storm of shell quite unscathed, but it -must have been touch and go. Moreover--and hardest of all--she had to -submit to this treatment without being in a position to retaliate. -After the flagship blew up, nothing was seen of the _Monmouth_; -subsequently the _Glasgow_ was reported crossing her stern. Seeing -that she could be of no assistance, the _Otranto_ dodged her -opponents by straining full speed to the westward for 200 miles, and -thence to the southward. Rounding Cape Horn, she passed between -the Falklands and the mainland and arrived at Montevideo. Both she -and the _Glasgow_ must have accounted themselves most fortunate in -escaping safely from this unequal contest. - -The _Canopus_, which had been steaming northward with two colliers, -intercepted a wireless message from the _Glasgow_ to the _Good Hope_ -reporting the enemy in sight. She immediately increased to her full -speed, dispatching the colliers to Juan Fernandez, and proceeded -on her course northward in the hope that she would arrive in time -to engage the enemy. About 9 P.M. she received a signal from the -_Glasgow_ that it was feared the _Good Hope_ and _Monmouth_ had been -sunk, and that the squadron was scattered. Seeing the hopelessness of -continuing on her course, the _Canopus_ turned round, picked up her -colliers, and made for the Magellan Straits via Smyth's Channel, the -successful navigation of which reflects great credit, since she was -probably the first battleship ever to make use of it. By this means -she succeeded in reaching Port Stanley without molestation, although -the German ships were constantly in close proximity. - -Admiral Cradock appears to have had definite orders to prevent the -enemy coming round to the east coast of America. The _Canopus_ was -only 120 miles away when he met the enemy. But had the Admiral -waited for her the Germans might have slipped past him during the -night, and, moreover, her slow speed would have seriously hampered -the mobility of his squadron. Speaking of Admiral Cradock, Sir Henry -Newbolt[7] says, "He had asked for reinforcements, and the Admiralty -had sent him what they thought sufficient. It was not for him to hold -back." - -The advantages of speed and modern guns of superior range were -perhaps the outstanding features of the Coronel action. It was not -the vain sacrifice which at first sight it might appear to be, as it -probably saved our ships operating on the east coast of South America -from a similar fate. - -Admiral Cradock carried out unflinchingly his search for a force -which he knew would almost certainly be superior to his own. His -unhesitating acceptance of the action and the gallantry of the fight -uphold the finest traditions of the Royal Navy, and will always be -recalled by it with pride. Surely, before God and man, such deeds of -heroism go far to mitigate the infamy of war. - - "At set of sun, - Even as below the sea-line the broad disc - Sank like a red-hot cannon-ball through surf - Of seething molten lead, the _Santa Maria_, - Uttering one cry that split the heart of heaven, - Went down with all hands, roaring into the dark." - - ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -CONCENTRATION - - "And Drake growled, ... - ... 'So, lest they are not too slow - To catch us, clear the decks. God, I would like - To fight them!'" - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -Several disquieting wireless messages were received by the British -warships on the east coast of South America, giving garbled and -unreliable accounts of the Coronel action. It was not till November -5th that a statement which appeared to be fairly authoritative, in -spite of its German origin, was received from Valparaiso. It said -that the _Monmouth_ was sunk and that the _Good Hope_ had probably -shared her fate; no mention was made of the _Canopus_, _Glasgow_, or -_Otranto_. - -The command in these waters now devolved upon Rear-Admiral Stoddart -(flying his flag in the _Carnarvon_), who was still busily engaged -in the search for the _Karlsruhe_. His ships had been operating -over a wide area extending from the neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro -to the northward of St. Paul's Rocks and the Rocas, and thence to -the westward along the north coast of South America. This otherwise -fruitless search achieved one notable result in compelling the -_Karlsruhe_ to abandon her system of obtaining supplies through -German storeships coming from Pernambuco, as that port was kept -under rigid observation. She was thus forced to leave the trade -route between Great Britain and South America for longer periods in -order to meet her consort, the armed liner _Kronprinz Wilhelm_, who -now became a link between her and her sources of supply in Central -America. There was, in consequence, a marked falling off at this -period in the number of her captures. - -Assuming that the worst had happened, and that the German squadron -was now on its way round to the east coast, it became imperative to -unite our remaining ships into one squadron as quickly as possible. -It was obvious that with the Australian and Japanese ships behind -them, the Germans could not afford to linger where they were; -moreover, they had learned at Valparaiso that we had no naval force -of any preponderance with which to oppose them. Flushed with their -recent victory, it seemed probable that if they were not much damaged -they would most likely hasten their movements in the hope of meeting -our ships before we had had time to unite or to gather reinforcements. - -The German squadron would not be able to separate with any safety -once we had succeeded in joining together our scattered forces, -so that the damage they might do to our commerce would be thereby -reduced to a minimum. - -For these reasons it will be seen that the River Plate was admirably -situated for the rendezvous of our ships that had escaped from -Coronel to the Falklands, and of the northern squadron. Again, it -was possible to coal there without infringing territorial rights, -as there is an excellent anchorage well outside the three mile limit -from the foreshore. - -The following calculations, written on November 6th, 1914, were made -by the author: - -"The German Admiral will expect us to get reinforcements out from -England, so that it seems probable that he will lose no time in -coming round to the east coast. - -"He arrived at Valparaiso on November 3rd. Supposing he coals there -and leaves at earliest on November 4th, the distance from Valparaiso -to the Plate is roughly 2,600 miles, or nine days at 12 knots; -therefore, allowing one day for coaling _en route_, the earliest that -he could be off the Plate would be the 13th, more likely not before -November 15th." - -The strategical aspect in this sphere of operations was completely -changed by the success of the German squadron off Cape Coronel, and -necessitated not only a complete change of plans, but also an entire -redistribution of our ships. These consisted of the _Carnarvon_, -_Cornwall_, _Bristol_, _Macedonia_, and _Edinburgh Castle_, also the -_Defence_ and _Orama_, who were near Montevideo, and the _Canopus_, -_Glasgow_, and _Otranto_. - -Admiral Stoddart, therefore, decided to go south to Montevideo at -once in order to meet the remainder of our scattered ships. The -_Bristol_, _Macedonia_, and _Edinburgh Castle_ were left to continue -the search for the _Karlsruhe_, although as a matter of fact she had -blown up on November 4th. Colliers were sent down south to Montevideo -to be in readiness for our ships, and were ordered to sail at -twelve-hour intervals to diminish the chance of capture. - -The _Carnarvon_ and _Cornwall_ left the base on November 6th, the -former calling at Rio de Janeiro on the way for telegrams. Arriving -at the Plate on the 10th, where we found the _Defence_ and _Orama_, -the Admiral immediately transferred his flag to the former ship, -which was the newest and most powerful of our cruisers. All ships -filled up with coal and awaited the arrival of the _Glasgow_ and -_Otranto_; meanwhile, patrols were constantly maintained at the mouth -of the river. - -The following evening the _Glasgow_ arrived amidst congratulations -from us all; she had put in to the Falkland Islands to coal, in which -assistance was provided by volunteers from amongst the inhabitants. -After coaling, she was detached to Rio de Janeiro to go into dry -dock, so that the damage to her side might be properly repaired. The -same day the _Orama_, whilst patrolling, met and sank the German -storeship _Navarra_ which was set on fire by the Germans when escape -was seen to be impossible. We also got the cheering news that the -_Emden_ had been sunk and that the _Königsberg_ had been bottled up, -tidings which augured well for the future. - -The Admiralty seem to have had a premonition that the Germans -intended to attack the Falklands for the _Canopus_, although on her -way north to Montevideo, was ordered back to the Falkland Islands in -order to fortify and arm the harbour of Port Stanley in co-operation -with the local volunteers, converting herself into a floating fort. - -The possibility of our encountering and having to fight von Spee was -the subject uppermost in all minds at this time, and led to a great -deal of discussion. The outstanding feature in the situation was the -extraordinary lack of homogeneity of the composition of our squadron. -It consisted of three armoured cruisers of entirely different -classes, each carrying a different armament, one light cruiser and -four armed merchantmen. The latter could not, of course, be pitted -against warships even of the light-cruiser type, and therefore had to -be left out of the reckoning. Amongst the four fighting ships there -were four descriptions of guns, viz. two 9.2-inch, fourteen 7.5-inch, -twenty-two 6-inch, and ten 4-inch, while the German squadron had -only three descriptions, viz. sixteen 8.2-inch, twelve 5.9-inch, -and thirty-two 4.1-inch. A prominent question, therefore, was what -range we should endeavour to maintain during an action; the answer to -which was very varied, preference being given to ranges from 14,000 -yards downwards. From the gunnery point of view the enemy undoubtedly -held an advantage, as not only was his squadron more homogeneous, -having only two classes of ships, but also the range of his guns was -greater. As regards speed, there was nothing to choose between the -two squadrons, who were evenly matched in this respect. Much would -depend upon whether he would choose to keep his squadron together -for the purpose of an action or to disperse them on reaching the -east coast. Opinions on this and on many other points were divided. -All were agreed, however, that we ought to give a good account of -ourselves. - -The wildest reports about von Spee's movements were constantly -received from Chilean and other sources. Whilst at Montevideo rumours -were circulated that the German ships had been seen coming round Cape -Horn. - -The Admiralty now informed Admiral Stoddart that reinforcements were -being sent out from England at once; they had actually started just -after our arrival at the Plate. The secret of this news was well -kept, not an inkling leaking out at home or abroad--a fact which -contributed very largely to our subsequent victory. It was decided, -therefore, to return northwards in order to effect a junction with -the two battle-cruisers that were on their way out. The squadron -sailed on November 12th, spread out in line abreast, and put in some -useful exercises on the way. Arriving at the base five days later, -we found the _Kent_, which was expected as we had heard that she was -being sent out to reinforce us; she had brought a mail, which made -her doubly welcome. The _Bristol_ and _Edinburgh Castle_ rejoined, -but the latter was ordered off northwards on other service, and -sailed on November 19th, taking a mail for England. It was blazing -hot, but the next few days passed quickly enough in carrying out -gunnery practices, patrolling, and coaling ship, during which the -_Glasgow_ returned from Rio, spick and span. - -Most of November was a time of some suspense for our ships, as we -were hourly expecting an encounter with the enemy, and it was with -mixed feelings that we learned of the nature of the reinforcements -that were coming out with such despatch. Our feelings of relief were -also tempered with regret at not having been afforded an opportunity -to prove our mettle. Further, there was an awful and terrible thought -that it might be considered necessary to leave one of us cruisers -behind to guard the base. - -Most of our ships had had steam on their main engines incessantly -since war broke out, and a rest to let fires out so as to make -necessary adjustments was badly needed, but was quite impossible near -a neutral coast. - -On November 26th our hearts were gladdened by the sight of the -_Invincible_, bearing the flag of Vice-Admiral Sturdee, and the -_Inflexible_; these two formidable-looking ships had come out from -England at a mean speed of over 18 knots for fifteen days. Truly a -fine performance! - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -POSSIBILITIES AND PROBABILITIES - - -The various possible courses open to Admiral Count von Spee, both -before and after Coronel, have already been discussed, but the -movements of his squadron have not been subjected to examination in -the light that they bear on the policy which he adopted, nor have the -results of that action been considered from his point of view. - -The German squadron sailed from Mas-a-Fuera on October 27th, and -three days later arrived about noon at a position some fifty miles -to the westward of Valparaiso, where it remained for upwards of -twenty-four hours. On October 31st--the same day that the _Glasgow_ -went into Coronel with telegrams and the day before that action -was fought--the squadron steamed off south, leaving the _Nürnberg_ -to wait off Valparaiso for a few hours and probably to get -information of importance. The German Admiral undoubtedly went to the -neighbourhood of Valparaiso with the express intention of obtaining -news and was in communication with the shore, for he begins his -official report on the action fought off Coronel by saying that his -three light cruisers reached on November 1st a point about twenty -"sea miles from the Chilean coast, in order to attack a British -cruiser (_Glasgow_), which, according to trustworthy information, had -reached the locality on the previous evening." - -It is, of course, impossible to know what were von Spee's intentions -at this moment; they can only be surmised from a general survey of -the situation and the means that he had of obtaining information. The -latter was acquired by an organised system, for there were German -agents in every South American port. It may be taken as certain that -any ship calling at or passing Punta Arenas (Magellan Straits) would -be reported to him, and that the names of the ships and certain of -their movements on the south-east coast would also be known to him. - -Easter Island--which was von Spee's original base--is approximately -2,300 miles from Valparaiso, and therefore out of range of wireless -communication, although it is possible he might occasionally be able -to take in a message under favourable conditions. However, it is -known from an officer survivor of the _Gneisenau_ that on October -19th the German Admiral received a message--possibly through a German -supply ship--stating that a British Squadron consisting of "_Good -Hope_, _Monmouth_, and _Glasgow_ was to the south." Now we know that -this squadron was at Punta Arenas on September 28th, and leaving on -that date was employed searching inlets and bays round Tierra del -Fuego for some days. The _Good Hope_ then returned to the Falklands, -finally leaving them on October 22nd, whilst the others went on to -the coast of Chile and were there from October 11th onwards, making -use of a sequestered spot as a base. The _Glasgow_ was at Coronel on -October 14th and at Valparaiso the day following, so the fact of a -British Squadron being "south" was well known, though the information -did not reach von Spee till the 19th. - -On receiving this news von Spee sailed immediately. He knew he was in -superior force to Cradock's squadron, and the presumption is that he -went over to prospect and, if possible, to force an action. He went -straight to Mas-a-Fuera, only remained two days to coal, and then on -to a position off Valparaiso to pick up further information. - -Immediately on hearing that the _Glasgow_ was at Coronel on the 31st, -he proceeded south to cut her off, and, as was likely to be the case, -to meet Cradock. He must have judged that the rest of the squadron -could not be far behind the _Glasgow_. The probability was that he -received information of the _Good Hope_ passing through the Straits -about the 24th or 25th, and he might also have heard of the _Canopus_ -doing so a day or two later, in which case he would have calculated -that the latter could scarcely be so far north by this time. - -There is no indication that by this date von Spee had made up his -mind to quit the South Pacific. He had hardly had time to make his -arrangements for so doing, and there is no doubt that they were not -then completed. - -Von Spee was at his full strength, having recently added the -_Dresden_ and _Leipzig_ to the squadron while at Easter Island, he -possessed the advantage of homogeneity, and his squadron was far more -modern. The result we know, our ships were out-gunned and completely -outclassed. Fate played right into the hands of von Spee on this -occasion. - -It was undoubtedly a severe blow to British prestige in these -parts, and the Germans in all the large towns were not slow in -making the most of this temporary success in order to advance their -own interests. The rumours that were circulated caused no little -perturbation amongst the neutral shipping agents, who feared that von -Spee would lose no time in attacking British trade, and that those -cargoes which were consigned to Great Britain would be in jeopardy. -Insurance rates rose with a bound, and it is said that the Germans -went about openly deriding the British and causing the most fantastic -articles to be inserted in the local Press. The exaggerated reports -that were published, both of the action and of its effects, certainly -lends colour to this source of information. - -It will be interesting to consider what von Spee would have done if -he had missed Admiral Cradock and the action off Coronel had not -been fought. In view of his superior speed, von Spee would in all -probability have continued on his southerly course and rounded Cape -Horn, leaving Admiral Cradock behind him. There seem to be grounds -for supposing that he might go to the Cape of Good Hope, but the -campaign in German South West Africa could scarcely be said to be -progressing favourably for the Germans, and it is not unreasonable -to suppose he would have preferred to go north along the eastern -side of South America to harass our trade. It is legitimate to -suppose that in this case he would not have delayed to attack the -Falkland Islands, with Cradock's squadron on his heels and Stoddart's -ships converging on him from the north; in fact, it would have been -suicidal, for the wireless station there would have given our ships -warning of his approach, and the delay might have enabled our two -forces to unite. From Stoddart's squadron alone he had nothing to -fear, and most likely would have welcomed an opportunity of bringing -it to action. The presence of the _Defence_ at Montevideo would -certainly have been known to him at that time, and he would probably -have hoped to intercept her before she joined Cradock. Had all this -come to pass, the Germans might then have separated, and when it was -found that the theatre of operations in the South Atlantic became -too hot for them, they might have endeavoured to make their way home -after doing as much damage as possible to our commerce. - -As events turned out, however, von Spee waited about at sea for a day -or two after the action, apparently in the hope of either hearing -news of the _Good Hope_ or finding her. Writing at sea on November -2nd, he says, in a letter that afterwards appeared in the German -Press: "If _Good Hope_ escaped, she must, in my opinion, make for -a Chilean port on account of her damages. To make sure of this, I -intend going to Valparaiso to-morrow with _Gneisenau_ and _Nürnberg_, -and to see whether _Good Hope_ could not be disarmed by the -Chileans." Writing under date of November 5th, he adds: "We arrived -at Valparaiso this morning.... The news of our victory had not yet -reached here, but spread very quickly." The squadron split up, it -seems, arriving at different dates at Mas-a-Fuera, which became the -temporary headquarters of the German squadron for the next fortnight. -Here all ships coaled in turn. Communication was maintained by -sending the German light cruisers into Valparaiso one after the other -to get the latest information. The _Leipzig_ was there somewhere -about November 13th. This would show a proper caution on his part, -as belligerent vessels cannot use neutral ports except at extended -intervals. - -At Valparaiso von Spee must have obtained information concerning the -movements of our squadron under Admiral Stoddart, who had then just -sailed north from Montevideo. He would also have probably been aware -of the presence of the Japanese squadron operating in the Northern -Pacific. - -In order to make the position clear, it must be apprehended that -a squadron consisting of the British light cruiser _Newcastle_, -together with the Japanese cruiser _Idzuma_, and the small battleship -_Hizen_, was concentrated in the North Pacific. The battle-cruiser -_Australia_ left Suva, Fiji, on November 8th to strengthen this -squadron, so that it may be deduced that this was a direct result of -the Coronel action which took place just a week before. She joined -these ships on November 26th at Chamela Bay on the west coast of -Mexico. The object of this squadron was to prevent von Spee from -coming north, and to close on him should he remain on the western -coast of South America. Sailing southwards, these ships visited the -Galapagos Islands and then proceeded on their quest for the enemy, -the _Newcastle_ searching the Cocos Islands _en route_. When nearing -the coast of Colombia, the splendid news of the Falkland Islands -battle was received, after which these ships split up and separated. - -In view of these various courses of action open to von Spee, the -reader will appreciate how our minds were occupied with the question -of his future movements. Would he, in the hope of adding further to -his laurels, attempt to repeat his success by going into the North -Pacific to engage the Allied squadron there, which might have been -inferior to him in strength? Or would he go south and follow up -his advantage in a direction where there was nothing to oppose him -for the moment, except the _Canopus_ and _Glasgow_? He could not -hope successfully to combat all the different squadrons looking for -him, nor, for that matter, did he wish to risk his ships, for there -were no others to replace them. It was not his rôle to adopt such -an offensive. He therefore chose to give the impression that he -was remaining off Chile, and then suddenly vanished into complete -oblivion. Leaving no trace of his movements, he was careful to -forgo using all wireless; and, having completed arrangements as to -future supplies, he determined to appear suddenly where he was least -expected. History repeats itself, and he evidently decided that the -boldest plan was what would be least anticipated, and therefore most -likely to be productive of success. - -Taking another point of view, it was obviously to von Spee's -advantage to hasten round to the east coast of South America as -quickly as possible after the action off Coronel took place, and -thus to reap the full benefit of the success that he had already -gained. He could not possibly have shut his eyes to the fact that the -immediate following up of his victory was the most promising policy -for any scheme of operations in the South Atlantic. He would then -have been able to strike before reinforcements could come out from -England, which he must have been aware would be sent out to hunt him -down. Why, then, did he delay a whole month? On his own showing the -repairs necessary to render his ships fit for further service only -took a few days, and it would not take long to arrange for his future -supplies on the east coast of South America with all the German -shipping cooped up in this part of the world waiting to be put to -any useful purpose. Is it, therefore, unreasonable to suppose that -he waited in order to collect German reservists from Chile, either -to garrison the Falkland Islands once they had been captured, or -to take or escort them home to Germany? He knew that he was really -superior to the force under Admiral Stoddart, yet he delayed leaving -till November 26th, a period of nearly four weeks. The inference of -which is that he was not ready, and further that a seizure of the -Falkland Islands was deliberately contemplated and prepared for, and -was to be his first step. An additional possible explanation lies in -the deduction that he could not have estimated that he would have -defeated Cradock so completely, and therefore took time to consider -the altered situation before committing himself to a definite move, -hoping in the interval to get more information which might lead to -a further stroke of good fortune. The threat of the _Australia_ and -the Japanese squadron to the north was not sufficiently pronounced to -force him to hurry. - -We have seen that it was almost out of the question for von Spee to -maintain his ships in the Northern Pacific, but the conditions were -entirely different on the west coast of South America. Here there -were a number of uninhabited anchorages where he could shelter, and -he had a large German population to help him on the coast of Chile. -In fact, he did maintain himself here until he knew that hostile -forces were concentrating and would move south to drive him out. -Meanwhile, he had effected repairs to his ships, and had completed -arrangements in advance for the supplies of his ships on the east -coast of South America. Thus the conclusion appeared to be that there -was no alternative open to von Spee but to leave the Pacific, where -he had already shot his bolt. - -Whatever the true explanation of his policy may be, the movements -of his squadron point to his having been quite at a loss what to do -next. His position was so hazardous and uncertain, so full of future -difficulties, that he could not see his way clear for any length of -time in order to work out any concerted plan. He was a fugitive pure -and simple, and felt that whatever he did was in the nature of a -venture. - -It was not till Cradock was defeated that he appears to have -formulated his plan for attacking the Falkland Islands. He then seems -to have been carried away by the effect that the temporary capture -of a British colony and the hoisting of the German flag would have -on our prestige throughout the world. He would have destroyed the -wireless station, seized the coal and provisions lying there, and -would then have had to abandon the colony to subsequent recapture. -Had he originally contemplated such a dramatic coup, he would never -have delayed a moment longer than was necessary. - -Keeping well away from the usual trade routes, the German ships -sailed south, and on the way were lucky enough to meet the _North -Wales_, one of Cradock's colliers. They arrived at San Quintin Sound -on November 21st, coaled, and stayed five days. Thence von Spee kept -out for 200 miles from the land before turning south, and got into -very rough weather. - -An officer in the _Gneisenau_ states: - -"_November 27th_--Force of wind up to 12. Later the weather moderated -a little so that we could proceed at 8 knots. - -"_November 29th_--Impossible to lay the tables. Broken up furniture -thrown overboard. All crockery was smashed. Impossible to be on deck. -Necessary to secure oneself with ropes. We are about off the entrance -to the Magellan Straits. - -"_December 2nd_--Sighted two icebergs, appear to be 50 metres high. - -"_December 3rd_--We are lying at the eastern exit of the Beagle -Channel close to Picton Island. - -"_December 6th_--We are going to Port Stanley." - -In judging von Spee's motives, it is as well to bear in mind that he -attained no success whatsoever after Coronel except for the capture -of two sailing ships and a collier. That our squadron under Admiral -Sturdee, having only arrived the day previously, met him on his -arrival off Port Stanley, was the turn of Fortune's wheel in our -favour. - -As all the world now knows, the battle of Coronel, the greatest naval -disaster that had befallen our arms in the war, was to be avenged -five weeks afterwards, when the German squadron in its turn drank to -the dregs the bitter cup of despair. - - - - -PART II - -THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLANDS - -[Illustration: _Plan of Action of H.M.S. "CORNWALL"_ - - _December 8^{th} 1914._ - - The Mappa Co. Ltd. London -] - -[Illustration: _Plan of Action between the Battle Cruisers -"INVINCIBLE" & "INFLEXIBLE" and the German Armoured Cruisers -"SCHARNHORST" & "GNEISENAU"_ - - _December 8^{th} 1914._ - - The Mappa Co. Ltd. London -] - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -AWAY SOUTH - - "Into the golden West, across the broad - Atlantic once again. 'For I will show,' - Said Drake, 'that Englishmen henceforth will sail - Old ocean where they will.'" - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -The two battle-cruisers looked very businesslike as they steamed up -to the anchorage; their trip out had taken off a good deal of paint, -and they presented something of the appearance of hardened warriors -returning from a spell in the trenches, as has been so well portrayed -by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather. To our joy they brought a small mail -only three weeks old. - -No sooner had the rattle of their cables ceased than preparations for -coaling were seen to be in progress. - -The same day, November 26th, the _Defence_ sailed for Cape Town via -St. Helena to join the flag of Rear-Admiral H. G. King-Hall. The -_Macedonia_ and _Otranto_ had been sent to Sierra Leone some time -previously to let out fires and examine boilers. - -The British Squadron was now under the command of Vice-Admiral F. -C. D. Sturdee, who held the title of Commander-in-Chief, South -Atlantic and Pacific. The Admiral's plan of operations possessed the -distinctive feature of every good invention; it was extremely simple -when once understood. Roughly speaking, it was this. The squadron -was to sail south to the Falklands, spreading out to extreme visual -signalling distance and searching for the enemy's ships. All signals -were to be made by searchlight, and wireless was not to be used -unless it was absolutely necessary. The battle-cruisers were placed -in the centre of the squadron, comparatively close together, with the -double object of being able to concentrate quickly in any direction -and of keeping secret their presence in these waters. Orders were -subsequently given that, after coaling at the Falklands, the squadron -would leave on December 9th, "in order to get round the Horn before -the enemy comes East." The enemy was sure to be reported if he used -the Straits of Magellan; but it is believed that, to make doubly sure -of not missing him, the Admiral intended to divide our squadron. Some -of the cruisers would then have gone through the Straits, meeting him -with the battle-cruisers somewhere in the Pacific; by this means the -presence of the latter would not become known. - -Sailing on November 28th, on a lovely calm morning, Admiral Sturdee -must have indeed felt a proud man; after years of labour in his -profession, he had his ambition realised by the command of a powerful -squadron in war with a definite task before him. It consisted of -_Invincible_ (flag), _Inflexible_, _Carnarvon_ (flag), _Cornwall_, -_Kent_, _Glasgow_, and _Bristol_. The _Macedonia_, now on her way -back from Sierra Leone, was to join us on the voyage south. - -On December 1st a report was received that "the German fleet was 400 -miles off Montevideo" the previous evening, but no one believed it. -The next day we left dinner hurriedly; a signal was received, "Alter -course together" to starboard 60 degrees. We altered and stood by for -action, but it only turned out to be a British vessel--a false alarm -which, however, was excellent practice. Information came through on -the 3rd that the German tender _Patagonia_ left Montevideo during the -night with stores for the German warships; therefore presumably they -were not far off. - -We arrived off Port Stanley on the morning of December 7th, and were -piloted into harbour through a channel in the line of mines, which -had been hastily constructed from empty oil-drums, and laid across -the entrance by the _Canopus_. As there were only three colliers -here, the ships were ordered to coal in turn; the remainder, under -convoy of the _Orama_, were following us down from the base. - -The Falkland Islands number about two hundred only two of which, -East and West Falkland, are of any size. The coast line of both -these islands is deeply indented and much resembles one of the -Outer Hebrides. Devoid of all trees, the dark brown and green -moors, relieved here and there by patches of granite quartz, look -uninviting, but abound in penguins hares, and sheep. Some of us, -being unable to coal ship, landed on the day of our arrival and shot -some hares and geese--a welcome change for the larder. It was the -breeding season, and the penguin camps or rookeries were a striking -sight; on approaching them hundreds would stand up and waddle forward -in a threatening attitude, making a terrible din in order to protect -their eggs. So numerous are they compared with the inhabitants that -the Governor is locally called the "King of the Penguins." - -The little town of Port Stanley, the capital, lies on the south side -of the inner portion of a harbour on the east coast of East Falkland, -and consists of two streets of houses, almost all, except Government -House and the cathedral, constructed of timber and corrugated iron. -It is very much like one of the new small towns of Canada. The -principal fuel is peat, which may be seen stacked as in Ireland. The -population numbers about a thousand, and another thousand--mostly -farmers and shepherds of Scottish origin--live out on the moors of -the islands. - -During the summer the temperature averages about 48° Fahr., and it is -nearly always blowing hard, raining, hailing, or snowing. Situated in -a cold current from the Antarctic, the temperature only falls eleven -degrees in the winter; as a result, scarcely any of the inhabitants -can swim, it being too cold to bathe. Owing to the absence of sun and -summer heat, wheat, oats, and English vegetables do not thrive, but -the colony is none the less remarkably healthy. - -[Illustration: STANLEY HARBOUR with PORT WILLIAM - - The Mappa Co. Ltd. London -] - -When the news of the Coronel disaster reached them, the islanders -were naturally much concerned for their safety. They had a volunteer -corps of a few hundred men, which took to training most assiduously -and quickly improved in efficiency. Every man was a good horseman -and proficient with the rifle, but the corps were not sufficiently -numerous to prevent a landing. A council of war was held by the -Governor, at which the position was fully discussed. It seemed -only too probable that the Germans would attack the Islands, and -arrangements were made to send away from Stanley the few women and -children. Stores of provisions were secreted within easy reach of the -town, and the public money, official documents, confidential books, -and valuables were either removed to a place of safety or buried. - -This was the position when the _Canopus_ and the _Glasgow_ arrived on -November 8th. Sailing the same evening, the _Canopus_, when half-way -to Montevideo, was ordered by the Admiralty to return and guard the -colony. - -On November 13th a warship was sighted from the signal station at -Port Stanley making straight towards the harbour from the eastward, -an unusual direction from which to approach. The volunteers were -called out by the church bells sounding the alarm, and every -preparation was made to resist a landing; the _Canopus_ on her part -could get no reply from the wireless station, so was only able to -conclude that Port Stanley had fallen into the enemy's hands. When -it was seen that the visitor was none other than the _Canopus_, the -feelings of joy and relief were universal and knew no bounds. - -Most of the inhabitants buried all their worldly goods of any value, -some using their back gardens, which are lightly fenced off from one -another, whilst others even carried furniture some distance inland. -Several amusing stories resulted. One of these Scots, from the window -of his house, had watched his neighbour burying a tin box, and had -carefully noted its exact position. Being hard up, he scaled the -fence that night and dug up and forced the box. Finding it contained -sovereigns, he helped himself to a portion, replaced the box, and -covered it over carefully with earth. A few days later, temptation -getting the better of him, he paid his neighbour's garden another -visit; on the third occasion, however, he was caught red-handed. When -brought to book his defence was that as they were such friends he had -not taken the whole lot the first time, which would have been quite -easy to do, but only a little just when it was needed to tide him -over his difficulties. - -The _Bristol_, _Glasgow_, and _Inflexible_ were ordered to coal -as soon as we arrived, the remainder awaiting their turn. The -_Carnarvon_, _Cornwall_, and _Bristol_ were allowed to put fires out -to clean boilers and make adjustments to the valves and machinery -of the main engines, in preparation for a protracted sea voyage. -The _Macedonia_ patrolled the entrance to the harbour, the _Kent_ -being ordered to relieve her at 8 o'clock the following morning. The -_Bristol_ and _Glasgow_, being of light draught, proceeded into the -inner harbour, but the rest of the squadron anchored in the outer -harbour, Port William, as will be seen from the plan. - -There is no telegraph cable to the Falklands, so that it was obvious -the first point of attack by the enemy would be the wireless -station. To protect this the _Canopus_ entered the inner harbour, -forced herself aground on the muddy bottom, and moored taut head and -stern in a position that would enable her to command the southern -approach. Here she was able to fire over the narrow neck of low-lying -land, that at the same time served partially to conceal her. An -observation station, connected with the ship by telephone, was set -up ashore, with an elaborate plan for obtaining the bearing and -elevation for the guns. Top-masts were housed, and the ship, masts, -and funnels were painted all the colours of the rainbow in great big -splodges to render her less visible. A look-out station was set up in -Sparrow Cove, and three 12-pounder batteries were hastily constructed -to dominate the approaches. The landing and placing of these guns, -together with the digging of the emplacements, called for a great -deal of hard work. Every credit is due to the _Canopus_ for the -admirable manner in which she dealt with the situation. - -Major Turner, who was in command of the Falkland Island Volunteers, -was indefatigable in his efforts to prepare efficient land defences. -This corps gave valuable assistance to the _Canopus_, co-operating in -the work of preparing the coast defences. Prior to the arrival of the -_Canopus_, their only guns were a 12-pounder 8-cwt. field gun which -had been lent by the _Glasgow_, and a few very antique muzzle-loading -field guns. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -ENEMY IN SIGHT - - "And from the crow's nest of the Golden Hynde - A seaman cried, 'By God, the hunt is up!'" - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -December 8th, 1914, was apparently to prove an exception to the -general rule in the Falklands, where it usually rains for twenty-one -days during the last month of the year, for a perfect mid-summer's -morning gave every promise of a fine day to follow. The prospect of a -busy day coaling, and taking in stores, brought with it thoughts of -the morrow when we were to set forth on our quest after the enemy. -The colliers went their round from ship to ship, and the rattling of -the winches hoisting the coal inboard never ceased. - -At 7.56 A.M. the _Glasgow_ fired a gun to attract the attention -of the _Invincible_, who was busy coaling, to the signal of the -_Canopus_ reporting smoke in sight to the south. - -Shortly after 8 A.M. the officers in the _Cornwall_ were all sitting -at breakfast when the Chief Yeoman of Signals entered with a beaming -face, full of news, to report that cruisers were in sight to the -southward. The general opinion was that some Japanese cruisers -were probably coming to join us, and attention was again turned to -breakfast. - -About 8.15 A.M. came a signal from the flag ship: "Raise steam for -full speed, report when ready." Rumour had been so rife of late that -we still remained sceptical until a few minutes later news came from -the signal station on Sapper Hill that two hostile men-of-war were -approaching from the southward, and shortly after that smoke was -visible beyond these vessels. - -It afterwards transpired that a lady named Mrs. Felton, the wife -of a sheep farmer living near Point Pleasant, in the south of the -Island, sent her maid and house-boy to the top of a ridge to report -everything they saw whilst she telephoned the sighting of the enemy's -ships to the nearest signal station, from which it was passed to Port -Stanley. She continued to send messages reporting every subsequent -movement of the German ships. The three German colliers, two of which -were sunk, were also first sighted by her and duly reported. She -afterwards received a silver salver from the Admiralty in recognition -of her prompt action, and her maid a silver teapot, whilst the -signalman at Sapper Hill, Port Stanley, received £5 from Admiral -Sturdee--a fact we had cause to remember later on, when frequent -reports of "hearing distant firing," "sighting smoke," resulted in -one or two wild-goose chases! - -"Enemy in sight." What a thrilling message for us all! We could -scarcely believe our ears. "What a stroke of luck!" was the general -comment. But this was no time for ruminating; deeds, not words, were -required. At last "the Day" for which we had prepared had dawned. -In very truth the hunt was up. The magic news travelled round the -ship's company like lightning, and they fell in in record time--in -spite of having to forgo some of their breakfast. The _Invincible_, -_Inflexible_, and _Carnarvon_ were in the middle of coaling. -Colliers were cast off, and all ships prepared for action in case the -enemy appeared off the entrance to Port William. - -As several of our ships had one engine down at six hours' notice, the -bustle and activity in the engine rooms may well be imagined. We on -deck naturally enough were soon ready, and chafed at the delay. - -The _Kent_ went out of harbour to reconnoitre, to report on the -movements of the enemy, and to relieve the _Macedonia_. The enemy's -two leading ships--the _Gneisenau_ and _Nürnberg_--were in sight -and were approaching the wireless station, intending to wreck it. -When near the Wolf Rocks they stopped engines and turned to the -north-eastward. The bearing and elevation of the enemy ships having -been telephoned from the observation station, the _Canopus_, finding -that they could get no closer, opened fire over the low neck of land -at 9.20 A.M. with her 12-inch guns, firing five rounds at a range -of 12,000 yards (_see_ page 83). It was the first time that most of -us had heard a shot fired in a naval action, and it brought home -very forcibly the fact that we should soon be tackling the job to -which we had looked forward for so long. Hoisting their colours, -the enemy turned away S.E. to join the main squadron, which headed -out to the eastward. It afterwards transpired that the Germans had -seen the tripod masts of our battle-cruisers over the land, which -probably decided von Spee in turning away from his objective. In one -moment all his hopes of destroying our Fleet--supposed to consist of -_Carnarvon_, _Cornwall_ and _Bristol_, and possibly the _Canopus_ -and _Glasgow_--the wireless station, and then capturing the colony, -were dashed to the ground. From survivors it appears that one of the -_Canopus's_ shells had ricocheted, striking the _Gneisenau_ at the -base of her after funnel; it was also claimed that a piece of another -hit the _Nürnberg_--good shooting by indirect fire at such a range, -with guns of an old type and improvised fire-control arrangements. - -Officers of the _Canopus_, who were in the observation station -ashore, saw through the telescope of their theodolite the men on -board the _Gneisenau_ fallen in on deck; they could be distinguished, -quite plainly, dressed ready for landing, in order to capture the -wireless station under cover of their ship's guns. But when the -_Canopus_ opened fire with her first two projectiles they lost no -time in scuttling away to their action stations. - -An amusing incident occurred on board the _Canopus_ when the enemy -first hove in sight. The stokers off watch climbed up inside the -foremost funnel to see what was going on and sat round the edge, -feeling quite secure as they knew the ship was ashore--hard and fast. -They very soon came down, however, when they were informed that the -boilers of that funnel were being lit up and the ship going to sea. - -At 9.40 A.M. the _Glasgow_ went out to join the _Kent_ in observing -the enemy's movements. Five minutes later the squadron weighed, with -the exception of the _Bristol_, who had all her fires out to clean -boilers. She was ready three-quarters of an hour later, however, -which must have constituted a record for ships of her class. The -_Carnarvon_, _Inflexible_, _Invincible_, and _Cornwall_ proceeded -out in the order named, the _Inflexible_ ramming a sailing pinnace -belonging to the _Cornwall_, half full of stores, on her way through -the line of mines; fortunately a barrel of beer belonging to the -wardroom officers had previously been rescued! The _Macedonia_ was -ordered to remain behind in Port William. It was very clear with -a slight north-westerly breeze--ideal conditions for a long-range -action. - -The last of our line cleared the harbour about 10.30 A.M., when the -five enemy ships could be seen hull down on the horizon to the S.E., -12 to 13 miles off, steaming off in the hopeless attempt to escape. -The signal "General chase" was flying from the _Invincible_, and the -magnificent spectacle of our ships, each with four or five white -ensigns fluttering in the breeze, all working up to full speed, will -always live in the memory of those who witnessed it on that eventful -day. - -The surprise and horror of the Germans at seeing our two -battle-cruisers for the first time was testified by the survivors, -who said, "They tried not to believe it." It must have been an awful -moment finding themselves suddenly face to face with almost certain -destruction. First of our ships came the little _Glasgow_, dashing -along like an express train, then the two huge battle-cruisers going -about 25 knots, belching forth volumes of dense black smoke as they -made use of their oil fuel to quicken their fires, followed by the -_Kent_, _Carnarvon_, and _Cornwall_ doing about 22 knots. - -The Admiral reduced speed for an hour to 20 knots at 11.15 A.M., to -allow the "County" cruisers to catch up, for it was evident that we -were rapidly gaining on the enemy, as we sped along on an easterly -course. The _Glasgow_ was ordered to keep three miles ahead of the -_Invincible_. There was now an opportunity to get out of coaling kit -and have a hasty wash. The ship's companies were consequently sent to -dinner early, acting on the good old maxim that a man always fights -better on a full stomach; but the excitement was too intense for -most men to have more than a bite, and they were mostly to be seen -crowding about the ship's decks munching a hastily made sandwich. - -At 11.27 A.M. the _Bristol_ reported that the smoke of three -steamers, enemy transports, had been sighted from the signal station -at Point Pleasant to the southward of the Island, whereupon the -Commander-in-Chief ordered the _Bristol_ and _Macedonia_ to destroy -them. They arrived to find only two, both big colliers, the _Baden_ -and _Santa Isabel_; the _Bristol_ took off the crews and then sank -the vessels. Half an hour later the _Bristol_ learnt the news of -the result of the action, and that the sacrifice of their valuable -cargoes had been unnecessary. The _Macedonia_, who was first upon the -scene, sighted smoke on the horizon, but could see no ship. Rumour -had it that this third ship was the _Seydlitz_, and that she had a -landing party of armed men and field guns on board, but this has -never been substantiated in any way. - -The _Glasgow_ was ordered back, and at 12.20 P.M. the -Commander-in-Chief decided to attack the enemy with the -battle-cruisers, whose speed was increased to 25 knots. The enemy -were steaming in two divisions in quarter-line, first the _Gneisenau_ -and _Nürnberg_ on the left of the line, then the _Scharnhorst_ -(flag), _Dresden_, and _Leipzig_; the latter being astern of the -remainder of their ships, who were on the starboard bow of our -squadron, became the first target. "Action" was sounded, and at once -not a soul was to be seen about the decks, each man being busy at -his appointed station. The Admiral hoisted the signal "Open fire" -at 12.47, and eight minutes later the _Inflexible_ fired at the -_Leipzig_ the first round of the action; the _Invincible_ followed -almost immediately afterwards. Both ships were now going their full -speed, nearly 27 knots, and firing slowly and deliberately at the -great range of 16,000 yards (over nine land miles). The huge columns -of water, over 150 feet high, thrown up by our 12-inch projectiles, -which weigh 840 lb., sometimes completely blotted out the enemy -target at this distance. Owing to the German ships being end-on, it -was difficult to get the direction, but our shots were falling very -close to them at times, and soon produced a drastic change in their -movements. - -Admiral von Spee is said to have now made this signal to his ships: -"The armoured cruisers will engage the enemy _as long as possible_, -the light cruisers are to use every endeavour to escape." Acting -on this, at 1.20 P.M. the _Dresden_, the _Nürnberg_--which one of -our battle-cruisers claimed to have hit--and the _Leipzig_ turned -away to the southward, the positions of the ships being roughly as -shown in the plan (p. 94). The _Scharnhorst_ and _Gneisenau_ will be -seen turning to port to engage the battle-cruisers, which altered -simultaneously on to a parallel course, whilst the remainder of -our squadron, except the _Carnarvon_, which presumably had orders -to proceed with the Commander-in-Chief, turned and gave chase to -the _Dresden_, _Leipzig_, and _Nürnberg_. The _Carnarvon_ was, of -course, unable to keep up with the big ships, and did not get into -action until later; she was now 10 miles astern, and altered course -to port to cut a corner and join the Flag. - -[Illustration: ROUGH DIAGRAM OF ACTION OFF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS - - 8^{TH} DECEMBER, 1914. -] - -All this while the "County" cruisers were coming along with -all possible speed. The _Glasgow_ was stationed clear of the -battle-cruisers, which were followed by the _Kent_, _Cornwall_, and -_Carnarvon_. When the action commenced the crews of these ships had -the most perfect view of a modern naval engagement fought at long -range. As an officer in the _Kent_ described it: "We were spectators -in the front row of the stalls, as it were, so close that we could -almost touch the actors on the stage, yet so far that no stray -missile disturbed the comfort of our view. The best seats in the -house at a performance of one of the few remaining spectacles which -cannot be bought for money." - -Imagine a calm, smooth sea, the sun shining and not a cloud in the -sky, the ship steaming at something over 23 knots, and the men -crowded on the turrets and in every available corner, tier upon -tier, for all the world as if looking on at a cup tie at the Crystal -Palace.... It was a wonderful sight. The big ships buried their -sterns in the sea, throwing up the seething water in their wakes -as they dashed onwards. The bright flashes of their guns showed up -strikingly, followed successively by the dark brown puffs of cordite -smoke; the seconds were counted until the reports were heard and huge -columns of water thrown up by the splashes were seen. Many of the -men had had friends in the _Good Hope_ and _Monmouth_ whose fate was -fresh in their minds. "Give 'em one for the _Monmouth_!" and "Go on, -boys, give 'em hell--let the blighters feel what it's like!" were -shouted quite unconsciously, punctuated by loud cheers when a salvo -pitched perilously close to the enemy ships. Of course, the majority -realised our superiority, but those in authority must have felt a -pride in such men who gave the impression they would face odds with -intrepidity. - -The battle now divided itself into two separate engagements, the -battle-cruisers and the _Carnarvon_, which were engaging the two -enemy armoured cruisers, and the _Cornwall_, _Kent_, and _Glasgow_, -which gave chase to the light cruisers. Later, a third action -developed when the _Kent_ went after the _Nürnberg_. Each of these -will be taken in turn and described separately. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THE BATTLE-CRUISER ACTION - - "Are hell-gates burst at last? For the black deep - To windward burns with streaming crimson fires! - Over the wild strange waves, they shudder and creep - Nearer--strange smoke-wreathed masts and spare, red spires - And blazing hulks." - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -A few minutes after the German light-cruisers turned away to the -S.S.E. in accordance with his orders, Admiral Count von Spee, -apparently deciding to accept the inevitable, determined to try and -close so as to get into the effective range of his 8.2-inch guns. -With this intention, his two armoured cruisers turned in succession -about 80 degrees to port, which brought them into line-ahead with the -_Gneisenau_ leading, and then opened fire at 1.30 P.M. But he had -reckoned without his host, as this very obvious manœuvre did not at -all suit Admiral Sturdee's book, who was acting on the principle that -ammunition is cheaper than human life, and was resolved to fight at -his own chosen range. Our ships, therefore, eased speed to 24 knots, -and turned together away from the enemy to port, which brought them -at the same time into line-ahead with the flag ship _Invincible_ in -the van. - -The two squadrons were on nearly parallel courses (_see_ facing page -79). The _Inflexible_ had checked fire for a while, but now reopened -on the _Scharnhorst_ at a range of 14,500 yards. Both the enemy ships -concentrated their fire on the _Invincible_ at this time, whilst ours -fired each at his opponent. The respective armaments are seen from -the following: - - _Name_ _Tonnage_ _Armament_ _Speed_ _Completion_ _Armour_ - _Belt_ - - _Invincible_ } 17,250 { 8--12" } 26 { 1909 7 to 4 in. - _Inflexible_ } { 16--4" } { 1908 7 to 4 in. - _Carnarvon_ 10,850 4--7.5" 22 1903 7 to 4 in. - 6--6" - _Scharnhorst_} { 8--8.2" } { 23.5 1908 6 to 3 in. - } 11,420 { 6--5.9" } { - _Gneisenau_ } { 20--3.4" } { 23.8 1908 6 to 3 in. - - Compiled from "Brassey's Naval Annual." - -As Admiral Sturdee edged away and did not allow the range to get -below 13,500 yards, the fire of the Germans was not effective. -A gunnery officer stated that their fire control was efficient, -and that their salvoes, fired frequently, fell well together, the -spread being about 200 yards. They had been firing about ten minutes -when the _Scharnhorst_ went ahead and took the lead, so our ships -changed targets. For a short time both German ships now fired at the -_Inflexible_, but without result; soon afterwards they again honoured -the _Invincible_ with their attentions, and, getting the range, -scored their first hit about 1.45 P.M. The range was now increased, -spotting the fall of shot became more and more difficult, and finally -smoke interfered with our gunfire. At 2 P.M. the distance of the -enemy was 16,450 yards. Ten minutes later von Spee turned right away -and made a second attempt to escape, as he had been unable to get to -close quarters. We turned gradually after him, but as he continued -to turn away, in the words of Admiral Sturdee, "A second chase -ensued." All firing ceased, and there was an appreciable lull in the -proceedings. - -Of the damage to the _Scharnhorst_ at this time no estimate can be -formed, but survivors from the _Gneisenau_ stated that they had three -direct hits, resulting in fifty men being killed and wounded. To the -uninitiated this may seem to be poor shooting; but the difficulty of -seeing clearly enough to make accurate corrections to the gunsights, -the extreme range, and the disturbing effect of the enemy's fire must -all be taken into account. Doubtless, too, there were several hits of -an insignificant nature on the upper works and rigging that were not -taken into account. It was impossible to tell at such a long range -whether we scored a hit unless a fire resulted. - -The efficiency of the engine-room staff was now put to the test; -they nobly responded, with the result that our big ships attained a -greater speed than they had ever done before. - -At this juncture a full-rigged sailing ship appeared on the port -hand of our battle-cruisers; she was painted white, and her sails -were shining as if bleached in the bright sunlight; with stunsails -and every stitch of canvas spread she sailed majestically along, -looking a perfect picture. So close was she that the Admiral was -forced to alter his course to pass a couple of miles clear of her, so -that the enemy's shell ricocheting should not hit her. Truly it must -have been a thrilling and dramatic moment for her to find herself -an involuntary witness of such a wonderful spectacle! Imagine her -consternation at being plunged suddenly into the middle of a red-hot -naval action between powerfully armed modern men-of-war, with shell -falling in the water quite close alongside. - -The distance of the retreating enemy was rapidly decreasing, until -at 2.45 P.M. Admiral Sturdee gave the order to open fire at a range -of about 15,000 yards. Von Spee held on his course in the vain -hope, apparently, of drawing us on, so that by a sudden turn made -later he might "get to grips." Eight minutes afterwards the Germans -were forced to turn to port towards us, forming into line-ahead and -opening fire as soon as they came round. We hauled out once again -on to an almost parallel course. The range had appreciably dropped, -and was at one time under 12,000 yards. Things now became fast and -furious, shot and bursting shell were everywhere in the air, and -our 12-inch guns were doing terrible execution. "It was like hell -let loose," said a petty officer in the flagship, which was hit -several times. The German gunnery was not nearly as good as it had -been in the first phase of the engagement, whilst we had settled -down to business and were, on the whole, more accurate than before. -An officer in the _Inflexible_ remarked that at this time several -of the enemy's shell fell between our two ships and that as his -ship approached these yellow-green patches, he wondered whether the -debatable maxim that no two projectiles ever hit the same spot would -prove accurate. - -The _Scharnhorst_ was badly hit at 3 P.M., starting a fire forward, -but she continued to blaze away; the _Gneisenau_ also bore signs -of the severe treatment she had received from the _Inflexible_. The -_Invincible_ now met with some damage, and suffered by far the most -as the enemy's fire was naturally concentrated on her. The wind -had increased, and was blowing the smoke across the guns, impeding -our gunners, and the _Carnarvon_ was coming up astern, so at 3.18 -Admiral Sturdee executed a sudden manœuvre by putting his helm -over to starboard, turning completely around, and crossing his own -track so as to steer roughly S.W.; this put the enemy completely -off the range, and also forced him five minutes later on to a -parallel course, in order to avoid the alternative of being raked -fore and aft. As both our ships had altered course together, their -respective positions became reversed--the _Inflexible_ leading--and -they presented their port sides to the enemy (_see_ facing p. 79). -The _Carnarvon_ cut the corner and came up on the off side of the -battle-cruisers, in accordance with Admiral Sturdee's orders, -as her guns were useless at ranges exceeding 12,000 yards. The -_Scharnhorst_, who had already had a bad hammering from the flagship, -was now subjected to the concentrated fire of our two big ships for -a very short time, during which the _Gneisenau_ was lost sight of -in her consort's smoke. At 3.30 P.M. the _Scharnhorst's_ fire had -slackened perceptibly, and one shell had shot away her third funnel. - -The _Invincible_ now engaged the _Gneisenau_, who was not nearly so -badly damaged and was firing all her guns. In fact, all ships were at -it as hard as they could go, but the _Inflexible_ came off lightly on -account of the plight of her opponent. The noise was indescribable, -shell were hurtling through the rigging; when one actually struck -and burst, the whole ship quivered and staggered, while the crash -of steel plates falling, and splinters of shell striking the upper -works, sounded like hundreds of empty tins being hurled against one -another. - -The _Scharnhorst_ was clearly in a very bad way, and looked, as -she was, a perfect wreck. Masses of steel were twisted and torn as -if growing out in all directions like the roots of a tree, clouds -of steam were going up sky high, and she was blazing fore and aft. -The Admiral says, "At times a shell would cause a large hole to -appear in her side, through which could be seen a dull red glow of -flame." She was 14,000 yards distant. Up till quite near the end, -however, she continued to fire in salvos, her starboard guns having -only been in action since the last turn was made. At 3.56 P.M. the -Commander-in-Chief decided to close in and give her the _coup de -grace_, which enabled the Carnarvon to get into action and open fire -for the first time. By 4 P.M. both the _Scharnhorst's_ masts, as well -as her three funnels, were shot away, and she was listing heavily to -port. She struggled on hopelessly and went over more and more, until -at 4.10 P.M. she was on her beam ends. For seven minutes she remained -in this position, her screws still going round, and then suddenly -sank like a stone, with her flag still flying. - -Shortly before the German flagship sank, our ships checked fire and -then opened on the _Gneisenau_. It will be seen from the plan of -the action that at the time the _Invincible_ turned two complete -circles in a sort of figure of eight, the _Gneisenau_ hesitated for -a minute or two as to whether she should stand by her consort to save -life. Under the impression, apparently, that our flagship, which had -turned towards the _Scharnhorst_, was about to pick up survivors, the -_Gneisenau_ passed on the far side of the sinking ship and opened a -heavy and well-directed fire on the _Inflexible_. We were now three -against one, who was, nevertheless, determined to sell herself as -dearly as possible. It was a gallant attempt. - -The distance was fortunately too great to see clearly the wretched -survivors of the _Scharnhorst_ left struggling hopelessly against -their fate, but it brought the dark side of war very vividly into -notice for the first time. A quarter of an hour after she sank the -_Carnarvon_ passed over the exact spot, but neither survivors nor -wreckage were to be seen. - -The weather now changed, a light drizzling mist obscuring the former -visibility. It was obvious that there could be only one end to the -fight now in progress, and that it could not long be delayed. At 4.15 -P.M. the _Invincible_ opened fire on the _Gneisenau_, which shifted -her target from the _Inflexible_ and fired at the flagship with -creditable precision. She was "straddling" the _Invincible_ at 4.25, -the range being about 10,000 yards, so this was increased. During the -next quarter of an hour our flagship was hit three times, but the -German was taking terrible punishment. At 4.47 she ceased firing; her -colours had been shot away several times, but she had hoisted them -again and again. Now, however, no colours were to be seen, so it was -only natural to conclude she had struck, though it was afterwards -ascertained that she had no more left to hoist. Our ships turned to -avoid getting too far off, when, to the surprise of all, she suddenly -fired off a solitary gun, showing that she was still game. Unlike -her late consort, which looked a perfect wreck for some time before -actually sinking, she had to all appearances suffered very little. At -5.8 P.M., however, her foremost funnel went by the board. - -The carnage and destruction wrought in the _Gneisenau_ by our three -ships were terrible, and it was astonishing what a deal of hammering -she was still able to bear. That her casualties at this time were -very heavy was beyond doubt, as shell were to be seen tearing up -her decks as they burst, while the upper works became a veritable -shambles. It was not till 5.15 that the doomed ship, being badly hit -between the third and fourth funnels, showed real signs of being -_in extremis_. She was still firing, however, and even scored an -effective hit--the last one she was to get--about this period. - -At 5.30 she was obviously dead beat and turned towards our squadron -with a heavy list to starboard, afire fore and aft, and steam issuing -in dense clouds from all directions. Admiral Sturdee now ordered -"Cease fire," but before the signal could be hoisted _Gneisenau_ -opened fire again, and continued to keep it up with her one remaining -undamaged gun. This was returned until it was silenced, when our -ships closed in on her. The ensign flying at her foremast head was -hauled down at 5.40, but the one at her peak was left flying. Five -minutes later she again fired, but only one solitary round, after -which she maintained silence. The signal was made to cease firing -immediately afterwards, when it was evident that her gallant struggle -was at an end. - -She now heeled over quite slowly, giving her men plenty of time to -get up on deck. At 6 P.M. our ships were perhaps 4,000 yards off, -and the Germans could be seen gathering together on her "forecastle -quarter deck." Remaining on her beam ends for a few seconds, during -which the men were seen clambering about on her side, she quite -gently subsided and disappeared without any explosion, although a -film of steamy haze hovered over the spot where she sank. The bow -remained poised for a second or two, after which she foundered at 6.2 -in latitude 52° 40′ S., longitude 56° 20′ W., having withstood the -combined fire of our ships for an hour and forty-five minutes. - -The sea was no longer quite calm, and a misty, drizzling rain was -falling. Closing in hastily, every effort was made to save life, and -boats were got out and lowered. This is no easy job after an action, -as the boats are turned inboard, resting on their crutches, and are -kept partially filled with water in case a shell might strike them -and cause a fire. This water must first be drained out, then the -weight of the boat is hoisted on to the slips to enable it to be -swung outboard, which is not easy if the ship has been hit near the -water-line, causing a list. Finally, several of the boats are certain -to be riddled with shell splinters. - -A midshipman, describing the scene that followed, writes, "We cast -overboard every rope's end we can and try our hands at casting to -some poor wretch feebly struggling within a few yards of the ship's -side. Missed him! Another shot. He's further off now! Ah! the rope -isn't long enough. No good; try someone else. He's sunk now!" - -The men, however, had not yet heard of the rough weather during -the Coronel action, and still thought that the Germans might have -saved our poor fellows there. Lines were thrown over with shouts of, -"Here, Sausage, put this round your belly," and the like. Taking into -consideration that it was estimated some 600 men had been killed -or wounded, and that the temperature of the water was 40°, it was -fortunate that as many as 170 officers and men were rescued. The -gallant Admiral Count von Spee, whose conduct bears out the best -traditions of naval history, and his two sons, all lost their lives -in the course of the day. - -A curious feature of this action was the terrific damage done by -12-inch lyddite shell. One of the _Gneisenau's_ turrets was severed -from its trunk and blown bodily overboard. Nearly every projectile -that hit caused a fire, which was often promptly extinguished by the -splash of the next one falling short. Indeed, it was stated by the -prisoners that the guns' crews in the German ships were frequently -working their guns up to their knees in water, and towards the latter -part of the engagements were unable to fire on account of the volume -of water thrown up by short shots. - -The _Invincible_ had been hit about twenty-two times, but the -fighting efficiency of the ship was not affected. Eighteen of these -were direct hits, two being below the water-line on the port side, -one of which flooded a bunker and gave her a list to port. There -were no casualties, however, amongst her complement of 950. The -_Inflexible_ was only hit directly twice; she had one man killed and -three slightly wounded. Her main derrick was cut in two, so that she -was unable to use her steam boats. The few casualties speak more -eloquently than any words of the tactics adopted by Admiral Sturdee -in putting to the greatest possible use the heavier armament at his -disposal. - -The _Invincible_ had some interesting damage. One 8.2-inch shell -burst and completely wrecked her wardroom, making a gigantic hole -in her side. Two others hit the stalk of her after conning tower -and burst, but did no damage to the inmates, who only complained -of the fumes being sweet and sickly, leaving an unpleasant taste -which, however, soon wore off. Another interesting case was the -extraordinary damage done by a spent projectile falling at an angle -of fifty degrees. Passing close under her forebridge, it cut the -muzzle of one of her 4-inch guns clean off, after which it passed -through the steel deck, through a ventilating trunk, through the -deck below, and finished up in the Admiral's storeroom--side by -side with the cheese, which put the finishing touch to its career. -Another shell caused a nasty hole on the water-line, seven feet by -three, which was found to be beyond the capabilities of the ship's -staff to repair temporarily. The bunker had to be left flooded, all -the surrounding bulkheads being carefully shored up and strengthened -until she returned to England. In "A Naval Digression"[8] "G. F." -says: "On a part of the main deck one might have imagined for a -second that a philanthropist had been at work, for there, strewn -about, were a thousand odd golden sovereigns; a shell had come -through the upper deck, and, visiting the Fleet-Paymaster's cabin, -had 'upset' the money chest. It had then gone through the bulkhead -into the chaplain's cabin next door, and finally passed out through -the ship's side, taking with it a large part of the reverend -gentleman's wardrobe, and reducing to rags and tatters most of what -it had the decency to leave behind." - -The Commander of the _Gneisenau_ was picked up by the _Inflexible_, -and gave some interesting details. Describing the time when the -_Canopus_ fired at the _Gneisenau_ and _Nürnberg_ on their first -approach to Port Stanley, he told us that he said to his Captain, -"Captain, we must either fight or go faster," adding that in his -opinion the day would have ended very differently had they come -up boldly off the mouth of the harbour and bombarded our ships at -anchor before they were able to get out. There can be no doubt that -the issue would have been the same, but the Germans might have been -able to inflict some serious damage, especially to those ships -lying nearest the mouth of the harbour, who would have masked the -battle-cruisers' fire. However, his Captain elected to run, so they -went "faster." - -During the action he had to go round the ship with the fire-master, -putting out any fires that were discovered. Whilst going his rounds -during the engagement he found a stoker near one of the drinking -tanks on the mess deck, who said he had come up to get a drink of -water. The Hun Commander told him that he had no business to leave -his post, and, drawing his revolver, shot him dead where he stood. - -A curious yarn is connected with Admiral Stoddart, who was in the -_Carnarvon_. He had a distant cousin in the German Navy whom he -had never met and about whose career he had frequently been asked -in years gone by. This cousin of his was one of those saved by the -_Carnarvon_, and when he got aboard he said, "I believe I have a -cousin in one of the British ships. His name is Stoddart." To find he -was the Admiral on board that very ship must have indeed given him -what the sailor terms "a fair knock out." He stated that practically -every man on the upper deck of the _Gneisenau_ was either killed or -wounded, and that it was a feat of the greatest difficulty to climb -across the deck, so great was the havoc wrought in all directions. - -Another officer, who was stationed in one of the 8.2-inch turrets, -had a remarkable experience. The turret was hit by a 12-inch shell, -and he emerged the sole survivor. He then went on to a casemate, -which was also knocked out and most of the crew killed. Trying a -third gun, he was perhaps even more fortunate, as it was also hit by -a 12-inch shell, and the same thing happened, but shortly after the -ship sank and he was saved! This hero was a fat, young lieutenant, -who apparently drowned his sorrows the evening before he quitted the -_Carnarvon_. Before retiring to bed he stood up in the mess, drink in -hand, bowed blandly to everyone and said, with a broad smile on his -fat face, "Gentlemen, I thank you very much--you have been very kind -to me, and I wish you all in Hell!" - -The wisdom of Admiral Sturdee's orders to the _Carnarvon_ to keep -out of range of the Germans was brought home by an officer survivor -of the _Gneisenau_, who said that they knew they were done and had -orders "to concentrate on the _little_ ship and sink her if she came -within range!" - -Upwards of 600 men had been killed or wounded when the _Gneisenau's_ -ammunition was finally expended. The German captain "fell-in" the -remainder and told them to provide themselves with hammocks or any -woodwork they could find, in order to support themselves in the water. - -A certain number of the German sailors that were rescued from the icy -ocean succumbed to exposure and shock, though the proportion was very -small. They were given a naval funeral with full military honours and -were buried at sea the day after the battle. When the funeral service -was about to take place on the quarter-deck of one of our warships, -the German prisoners were told to come aft to attend it. On rounding -the superstructure, however, the leading men suddenly halted dead, -brought up aghast with fright at the sight of the guard of armed -marines falling in across the deck, who were about to pay the last -tributes of military honours to the dead. When ordered on, these -terrified Huns point blank refused to move, being convinced that the -Marine Guard was there in order to shoot them! - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -THE END OF THE "LEIPZIG" - - "War raged in heaven that day ... - ... Light against darkness, Liberty - Against all dark old despotism, unsheathed - The sword in that great hour." - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -It will be recollected that during the chase the battle-cruisers -were firing at the _Leipzig_ before the main battle with Admiral -von Spee took place. This compelled the Germans to divide into two -separate squadrons, since a direct hit from a 12-inch gun might -easily prove fatal to one of their light-cruisers. Foreseeing that -this manœuvre was likely to occur, Admiral Sturdee had directed the -_Cornwall_, _Kent_, and _Glasgow_ to follow in pursuit. No time was -lost, therefore, in giving chase to the enemy light-cruisers when -they turned off to the S.S.E. at 1.20 P.M., the _Glasgow_ leading the -way at 26 knots, followed by the _Kent_ and the _Cornwall_ keeping -neck and neck and going about 23½ knots. The _Dresden_ led the enemy -light-cruisers with the _Leipzig_ and _Nürnberg_ on her starboard and -port quarter respectively. - -In the ever-increasing distance between our two squadrons, the main -battle could still be seen through field glasses, which made the -necessity for turning away from a spectacle of such absorbing and -compelling interest all the more tantalising. But there was solid -work to be done, requiring concentration, thought, and cool judgment. - -A stern chase is proverbially a long one, and the difference in speed -between our ships and the Germans' was not sufficient to justify any -hope of getting to business for at least two hours, as the slowest -enemy ship was probably doing 23 knots at this time. Every effort was -now made to go as fast as possible, and the _Cornwall_ and _Kent_ -had quite an exciting race as they worked up to 24 knots or slightly -more--a speed actually exceeding that realised along the measured -mile when these ships were new. The engine-room staffs on both ships -"dug out for all they were worth," and the keenest rivalry prevailed. - -It was very evident that a long chase lay before us, for the -_Glasgow_ was the only ship of the three that had a marked -superiority in speed to the enemy. The _Cornwall_ and _Kent_ were -gaining very slowly but surely on the _Leipzig_ and _Nürnberg_, but -were losing on the _Dresden_. - -The enemy kept edging away to port continually, and about 2.15 we -passed over the spot where later in the day the _Gneisenau_ was sunk -by our battle-cruisers. - -About 2.45 P.M. the positions of the ships were as plan (_see_ page -112). The _Leipzig_ was the centre rearmost ship, with the _Dresden_ -some four to five miles on her starboard bow, while the _Nürnberg_ -was about a mile on her port bow. Both these ships were diverging -slightly from the _Leipzig_, spreading out in the shape of a fan to -escape being brought to action. The _Cornwall_ and _Kent_ were some -eleven miles astern of the _Leipzig_, and the _Glasgow_ was four -miles distant on the starboard bow. - -[Illustration: _Diagram showing position at 2.45 p.m. weather -conditions not so good wind and rain from N.W._] - -As the _Glasgow_ drew ahead she edged over to starboard in the -direction of the _Dresden_. About 3 P.M. she opened fire with her -two 6-inch guns on the _Leipzig_ at 12,000 yards, in the hope of -outranging her and reducing her speed, so that the _Cornwall_ and -_Kent_ might come into action. The _Leipzig_, however, held on her -course, and replied to the _Glasgow's_ fire, though it was evident -that she was at the limit of her gun range. The firing was spasmodic -and not very effective. - -The _Glasgow's_ speed was so much superior to that of the enemy that -she soon closed the range very appreciably, and the _Leipzig_ was -seen to straddle her with her salvoes on more than one occasion. The -_Glasgow_ therefore altered course outwards, at the same time firing -her after 6-inch gun, and then, having opened the range, turned up on -to a roughly parallel course with the German. The duel between these -ships continued intermittently. - -The _Cornwall_ and _Kent_ were still keeping fairly level, and had -closed in to a distance of about half a mile from one another. The -chase continued, each minute seeming an age, as the range-finders -registered the slowly diminishing distance of the enemy. The crews -watched the proceedings from the forecastles with the greatest -interest; now and again a half-smothered cheer would break out when -the _Glasgow's_ shots fell perilously near the mark. When the bugle -sounded "Action," the men responded with a spontaneous cheer as they -rushed off at the double to their appointed stations. Their spirit -was fine. - -Captain J. Luce, of the _Glasgow_, was the senior naval officer -of our three ships, and at 3.20 P.M. signalled the _Cornwall_ to -ask, "Are you gaining on the enemy?" To which a reply was made, -"Yes--range now 16,000 yards." A quarter of an hour later the -_Glasgow_ ceased fire for a while. Captain W. M. Ellerton, of the -_Cornwall_, now made a signal to the _Kent_: "I will take the centre -target (_Leipzig_) if you will take the left-hand one (_Nürnberg_), -as we appear to be gaining on both of them." The _Glasgow_ again -opened fire on the _Leipzig_ at 3.45, but her shots falling short, -she very soon afterwards ceased fire. At 4.6 the _Glasgow_ and -_Leipzig_ again fired at one another, and shortly afterwards the -former was hit twice; an unlucky shot, descending at a steep angle, -killed one man and wounded four others. - -Captain Luce now found himself face to face with a difficult -decision, which had to be made promptly. Was he to use his superior -speed and endeavour to cut off the _Dresden_ or not? He decided -to assist the _Cornwall_ and _Kent_ in order to make sure of the -destruction of the _Leipzig_ and _Nürnberg_. At 4.25 P.M. the -_Glasgow_ turned to starboard away from the action and took station -on the port quarter of the _Cornwall_, who had by that time come into -action with the _Leipzig_. - -During this period the _Cornwall_ and _Kent_ had been gaining fairly -rapidly on the _Leipzig_ and slowly on the _Nürnberg_, though losing -on the _Dresden_, who was easily the fastest of the three German -light-cruisers. The latter kept edging away gradually to starboard, -outdistancing her pursuers, and finally made good her escape without -firing a single shot. - -At a quarter past four the _Cornwall_ and the _Kent_ opened fire -on the _Leipzig_ almost simultaneously at a range of 10,900 yards. -The effect of this was that the German altered course slightly to -starboard and was followed by the _Cornwall_, while the _Kent_ went -after the _Nürnberg_, as had been arranged. - -The _Leipzig_ now directed her fire on to the _Cornwall_. At the -outset we were astounded to find that her projectiles were falling -over us at this distance, but she soon found this out, and most -of her splashes were well short for some minutes. As the range -diminished the firing became more accurate, and it was possible to -judge of its effect. It was not till 4.22 that the _Cornwall_ scored -her first visible hit, which carried away the enemy's fore-topmast, -killing the gunnery lieutenant and disabling the fire control. The -enemy thereupon altered course away slightly to starboard, at which -we made a bigger turn in the same direction, so as to cut him off, -as well as to cross his course the more rapidly in the event of his -dropping mines overboard. This manœuvre brought the range down to -8,275 yards at 4.56, when he scored some hits. Captain Ellerton then -turned away to starboard to give the enemy a broadside, at the same -time opening the range, which completely upset the accuracy of the -_Leipzig's_ fire. - -The _Glasgow_ took up her self-appointed station on the port quarter -of the _Cornwall_ (_see_ Plan, p. 112), and the action developed -into a running fight between our two ships and the _Leipzig_, who -concentrated her fire on the _Cornwall_, which, however, had superior -armament: - - _Name_ _Tonnage_ _Armament_ _Speed_ _Completion_ - - _Cornwall_ 9,800 14--6" 23.68 1904 - _Glasgow_ 4,800 2--6" - 10--4" 25.8 1900 - _Leipzig_ 3,200 10--4.1" 23.5 1906 - - From "Brassey's Naval Annual." - -Mist and a light drizzling rain now set in, so we broke into -independent firing on account of the difficulty of spotting the fall -of shot. The range opened to 9,800 yards, and still we were being -hit, which clearly showed the efficiency of the German 4.1-inch gun. -Our course soon took us out of range, so we again turned towards the -enemy, ceasing fire from 5.12 to 5.29 P.M. This was analogous to -the interval that occurred in the battle-cruisers' action, and is -significant; both took place on the same day, and both were due to -the same cause--namely, the idea of making full use of the heavier -armament in our ships, and thus eliminating the risk of incurring -unnecessary casualties. - -Shortly after 5.30 P.M. the _Cornwall_ was hit no fewer than nine -times in as many minutes at a range of over 9,000 yards, so course -was again altered to starboard, a broadside being fired as the -ship turned. We continued these tactics, closing in and firing the -foremost group of guns and then turning out again as soon as we had -got in too close, at the same time getting in broadside fire, by -which we managed to score a number of hits with common shell. - -Fire was checked at 5.46, slow salvoes being resorted to on account -of the difficulties of spotting. At this time a heavy thud was felt -forward, which made the whole ship quiver; a shell had landed in -the paint room, where it burst and made rather a mess of things. -No material damage resulted, and there was fortunately no fire. At -6.15 we started using lyddite instead of common shell, having again -decreased the range. The result was stupendous, the dark smoke and -flash caused by those projectiles as they struck could be plainly -seen, and not long afterwards the enemy was on fire. His return fire -began to slacken appreciably, though he still managed to get a hit -every now and again. Captain Ellerton decided to close and went in to -nearly 7,000 yards, turning and letting the German have it from the -port broadside. - -It was now 6.35, and the news came through by wireless from the -flagship that the _Scharnhorst_ and _Gneisenau_ had been sunk. It -passed round the ship like lightning, even penetrating the watertight -bulkheads in some miraculous manner, and cheered up all hands -tremendously. - -Keeping the range between 7,000 and 8,000 yards, our ships continued -to do great damage, and at 6.51 the enemy was seen to be badly on -fire forward. In spite of this he continued to fire with great -spirit, and even registered a few hits between 6.55 and 7.45 P.M. -Then his firing stopped completely, and it was observed that he was -on fire the whole length of the ship. The scuttles showed up like a -series of blood-red dots gleaming from the ship's side, the whole of -the foremost funnel and part of the centre one had disappeared, the -upper works were severely damaged, while smoke was issuing here and -there. The ship, indeed, presented a sorry spectacle. - -All this time the _Glasgow_, which was still on the quarter of the -_Cornwall_, had also been busily engaged with the _Leipzig_, but at a -greater range. - -We ceased firing at 7.10, thinking that the enemy would strike his -colours; but not a bit of it, so three minutes later we reopened fire -with reluctance, though only for a couple of minutes. We closed in to -4,700 yards, turning 16 points in order to keep well out of torpedo -range, and gave him a few more salvoes of lyddite with our starboard -guns. The light was beginning to wane, and though twilight is very -prolonged in these southern regions during the summer, it would soon -have been too dark to see through the telescopic sights. At 7.43 -an explosion took place on board the _Leipzig_; three minutes later -the mainmast went slowly over, and finally collapsed with a crash. -We waited to give her an opportunity to haul down her colours and -surrender, and then opened fire again just before 8 P.M. At last, at -8.12, the Germans sent up two green lights as signals of distress, at -which we both immediately closed in, stopped, and proceeded to get -out boats. Darkness fell rapidly, and searchlights were turned on -to the enemy, lighting up the ghastly scene where men could be seen -jumping clear of the ship into the icy-cold water. The _Leipzig_ was -heeled over to port, almost on her beam ends; she only had a bit of -one funnel left, and all the after part of the ship was in flames. -The fire on her forecastle had also burst into flame. Thick clouds of -white steam escaping, showed up against the dense black smoke, and -increased the dramatic effect. Our little boats became visible in the -beams of the searchlights, as they rowed round to pick up survivors. -At 9.21 P.M. a shower of sparks suddenly announced an explosion, -directly after which the _Leipzig_ foundered. Several of our boats -were holed, and we only succeeded in saving six officers and nine men -between the two of us, all of whom, however, survived the extreme -cold. They told us that before the ship was abandoned the Kingston -valves had been opened. - -No further casualties had occurred on board the _Glasgow_ since -those already mentioned, as after joining the _Cornwall_ she had not -come under direct fire, although some projectiles intended for the -latter did hit her. The _Cornwall_ was even more fortunate in having -no casualties at all except for a solitary pet canary, in spite of -having eighteen direct hits not counting splinter holes, of which -there were forty-two in one funnel alone. This absence of casualties, -which was also a feature of the battle-cruiser action, speaks for the -efficient handling of the ship by Captain Ellerton. - -Survivors stated that von Spee was originally going direct to the -Plate to coal, but that having captured a sailing vessel full of coal -at Cape Horn, he changed his plans and decided to attack the Falkland -Islands. It was also stated that the _Leipzig_ had a large amount of -gold on board. - -One of the survivors rescued by the _Cornwall_ was a naval reservist, -who in time of peace had occupied the post of German interpreter to -the Law Courts at Sydney, in Australia. When hauled into the boat -the first words he used as soon as he had recovered his breath were: -"It's bloody cold" in a perfect English accent. It is a well-known -fact that sailors rarely make use of bad language, and the bowman who -had hauled him out of the water is said to have fainted! Evidently -the language of the Law leaves much to be desired. - -The torpedo lieutenant of the _Leipzig_ was amongst those saved -by the _Cornwall_. When brought alongside he was too exhausted to -clamber up the ship's side unaided, but when he reached the upper -deck he pulled himself together and stood to attention, saluting our -officers at the gangway. When he came into the wardroom later on he -explained that he had been on board before as a guest at dinner at -the time that the ship paid a visit to Kiel for the regatta in 1909, -adding that he little expected then that his next visit would take -place under such tragic circumstances. - -This officer surprised us all by suddenly asking when the _Cornwall_ -had had bigger guns put into her, and went on to say that when -we fired our "big guns"--meaning when we started to use lyddite -shell--the damage was appalling, arms and legs were to be seen -all along the decks, and each shell that burst started a fire. He -went on to say that the _Cornwall's_ firing was very effective and -accurate, but doubtless most of the prisoners told their captors -the same thing. We explained that the armament had not been changed -since the ship was originally built. He also told us that the German -captain had assembled all the ship's company when their 1,800 rounds -of ammunition were expended, and said, "There is the ensign, and any -man who wishes may go and haul it down, but I will not do so." Not a -soul moved to carry out the suggestion, but about fifty men, having -obtained permission, jumped overboard and must have perished from the -cold. There were only eighteen left alive on board at the end, so far -as he could judge, and of these sixteen were saved. All the officers -carried whistles, which accounted for their being located in the -water so easily. - -The prisoners naturally wished to glorify themselves, their captain, -and their shipmates in the eyes of their fellow-countrymen, before -whom they knew that these stories would eventually be repeated. -Therefore these yarns about the ensign, the men jumping overboard, -and the opening of the Kingston valves must be taken with a grain of -salt. - -The _Cornwall_ had one or two interesting examples of the damage -done to a ship by modern high-explosive shell. The most serious was -a shell that must have exploded on the water-line, as the ship was -rolling, for the side was afterwards found to be indented 5 inches -at a position 5 to 6 feet below the water-line, and consequently -below the armoured belt, a cross bulkhead being at the precise point -of impact. Curious as it may appear, even the paint was untouched, -and there was no sign of a direct hit from outboard, except for the -bulge that remained and the starting of a good many rivets from their -sockets. The cross bulkhead behind was buckled up like corrugated -iron, and the two coal bunkers, which had been empty, were flooded, -giving the ship a heavy list. When we got into Port William we -managed to heel the ship sufficiently to enable our carpenters to -get at the leak, and they succeeded in completely stopping it in -two days, working day and night--a fine performance, for which Mr. -Egford, the carpenter, received the D.S.C., whilst his staff were -personally congratulated by the Commander-in-Chief. - -Another shell passed through the steel depression rail of the -after 6-inch turret, by which it was deflected through the deck at -the junction of two cabin bulkheads; it next penetrated the deck -below and finally burst on the ship's side, causing a large hole. -An amusing incident was connected with this. The projectile cut a -fire-hose in half, the business end of which was carried down the -hole into one of the officer's cabins, where it continued to pump in -water for the remainder of the action. At the end of the day this -officer found all his belongings, including his full dress and cocked -hat, floating about in two or three feet of water. - -Another officer was seated on a box in the ammunition passage waiting -for the wounded, when a shell struck the ship's side close by him, -the concussion knocking him off. Getting up, he saw the doctor near -by, and thought he had kicked him, so asked him angrily what the -blazes he thought he was doing. It was not until after a long and -heated argument that he could be persuaded to believe that he had not -been the victim of a practical joke. - -In another case a shell shot away the fire main immediately above -one of the stokeholds, which was flooded. Stoker Petty Officer W. A. -Townsend and Stoker John Smith were afterwards both decorated with -the D.S.M. for "keeping the boiler fires going under very trying -circumstances." - -It was mentioned before that some ships had leave to open up their -machinery for repairs. The _Cornwall_ was to have steam at six hours' -notice, and had the low-pressure cylinder of the port engine opened -up and in pieces for repairs when the signal to raise steam was -made. Chief Engine Room Artificer J. G. Hill was awarded the D.S.M. -"for his smart performance in getting the port engine, which was -disconnected, into working order." It will have been noticed that the -ship was steaming 20 knots two and a half hours after the signal to -raise steam. This was a remarkable performance, and reflected great -credit on her entire engineering staff. - -A signalman, Frank Glover, was given the D.S.M. for "carrying out his -duties of range-taker in a very cool manner during the whole of the -action." He was in an entirely exposed position on the fore upper -bridge. - -More has been said about the part taken by the _Cornwall_, as the -writer was on board her, and most of the incidents described came -under his personal observation. They are, however, typical of the -conduct of the officers and men in the other ships that took part.[9] - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -THE SINKING OF THE "NÜRNBERG" - - "While England, England rose, - Her white cliffs laughing out across the waves, - Victorious over all her enemies." - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -We must now go back to the commencement of the action with the -_Leipzig_. At 4.30 P.M., in accordance with a signal made by the -_Cornwall_, the _Kent_ branched off in pursuit of the _Nürnberg_ and -was soon out of sight. - -Thus a third fight developed through the high speed attained by -the _Kent_, which enabled her to catch up and force action on the -_Nürnberg_. The following description has been largely compiled from -a narrative written by an officer in the _Kent_, while from the -particulars undernoted concerning the ships two important features -stand out: the speed of the two ships was nearly equal, and the -German was built five years later than her opponent, and therefore -should have been able to maintain her speed with less difficulty. - - _Name_ _Tonnage_ _Armament_ _Speed_ _Completion_ - - _Kent_ 9,800 14--6" 23.7 1903 - _Nürnberg_ 3,396 10--4.1" 23.5 1908 - 8--2.1" - - "Brassey's Naval Annual." - -In the course of the afternoon the weather became misty, so that it -seemed imperative to get to close quarters as rapidly as possible. -That this was fully realised and acted upon is shown by what was -written by an officer in the _Kent_: "In the last hour of the chase, -helped by a light ship and a clean bottom, by the most determined -stoking, by unremitting attention to her no longer youthful -boilers--in short, by the devotion of every officer and man in the -engine and boiler rooms, the _Kent_ achieved the remarkable speed of -25 knots." - -Both ships were steering a south-easterly course at 5 P.M. when the -_Kent_ got within range of the _Nürnberg_, which opened fire with -her stern guns. The chase had in all lasted nearly seven hours, -so the sound of the enemy's guns proved doubly welcome, since it -brought home the fact that the German was now trapped. The fall -of the enemy's shot was awaited with that eagerness combined with -anxiety which only those who have undergone the experience can fully -realise. Accurate ranges were hard to take on account of the abnormal -vibration caused by the speed at which the ship was travelling, but -it was expected that the enemy's first salvoes would fall short. But -not a sign was to be seen anywhere of these projectiles. Where, then, -had they gone? - -Officers glanced round the horizon to make quite certain that the -enemy was not firing at another ship, but nothing else was in sight. -A light, drizzling rain was falling, so that it was not till the -third salvo that the splashes were discovered astern of the ship. -This bore out the experience of the _Cornwall_ and _Glasgow_, which -had also been astonished at the long range of the German 4.1" gun, -which is said to be sighted up to 12 kilometres (13,120 yards). - -Nine minutes after (5.9) the _Kent_ opened fire at 11,000 yards -with her fore turret, but the shots fell short. Altering course -slightly to port, she was able to bring her two foremost 6-inch on -the starboard side to bear, making four guns in all. The light was -poor, and both ships had difficulty in seeing well enough to correct -the gun range at this distance. Thus this opening stage of the combat -was not very fruitful of results as far as could be judged, though -survivors subsequently stated that the _Kent_ scored two effective -hits, one of which penetrated the after steering flat below the -waterline and killed all the men in it with one exception. On the -other hand, the enemy (missing mainly for deflection) only got in one -hit during the same period. - -About 5.35 two boilers of the _Nürnberg_ burst in quick succession, -apparently from excess of pressure due to her strenuous efforts to -escape. This reduced her speed to 19 knots, when all hope of averting -disaster, even with the aid of several lucky shots, was shattered at -one fell swoop. The _Kent_ now gained very rapidly on her opponent, -and all anxiety as to the chase being prolonged until dark was -dispelled. - -[Illustration: _Plan of action between H.M.S. "KENT" and German Light -Cruiser "NÜRNBERG" off FALKLAND ISLANDS December 8^{th} 1914_ - - The Mappa Co. Ltd. London -] - -Realising the hopelessness of continuing the attempt to escape, the -German decided to fight it out, and altered course ten minutes later -90 degrees to port (_see_ Plan). The _Kent_ turned about 70 degrees -to port, so that both ships were on converging courses, and able to -bring every gun on the broadside to bear. The running fight was over, -and the action developed during the ensuing quarter of an hour -into as fierce a duel as it is possible to imagine, with the range -rapidly decreasing from 6,000 to 3,000 yards and all guns firing -in succession, keeping up one continuous thunder. The _Kent_ now -started using her lyddite shell. As was only to be expected, a good -deal of damage resulted. In a very short time a fire broke out near -the German's mainmast, followed a little later by the fall of her -main-topmast, which bent gracefully forward like a sapling, and then -fell with a crash. Both ships were firing their guns independently, -not in salvoes, and in consequence the sequence of the discharges -was almost unbroken. A fearful din resulted, which was as loud as -it was penetrating, and soon began to have an irritating effect on -the nerves. The incessant clanging and clashing jarred horribly and -gave the impression that the ship was being continually hit; in fact, -those below began to think that matters were not going too well from -the constant concussions and severe jolts that were felt, until they -were reassured by the optimistic and cheering bits of news passed -down through the voice-pipes. The _Kent's_ fore-topgallant-mast now -suddenly fell over, fortunately remaining suspended in midair by the -stays; a chance shot had cut right through the heel. - -From the rate of fire maintained at such a short range it was -patent that matters would soon be brought to a finish so far as -the _Nürnberg_ was concerned. By 6.5 P.M. her fore-topmast had -disappeared, she was on fire in two or three places, and her speed -was still further reduced. She turned away, as if to escape such -heavy punishment, the details of which could be plainly observed at -this short distance. Her upper deck was a veritable shambles, and -most of the guns' crews, only protected by gun shields, had been -killed. In the words of one of the _Kent's_ officers, "her foretop -and foremost funnel were so riddled that they appeared to be covered -with men"; the torn and twisted steel sticking out in every direction -caused this paradoxical illusion. Only two of her guns on the port -side remained in action. - -On the other hand, the _Kent_ herself had by no means come out -unscathed. In addition to the hits already mentioned, there were many -more that had struck the ship's side and boat deck on the starboard -side, but no fires of consequence had taken place, nor had there been -any hits on the water-line of a vital character. One of the enemy's -shells burst just outside the midship casemate situated on the main -deck. Only fragments entered, but there were ten casualties, most -of them burns; one man was killed instantly, and he remained in -the same position after death with arms bent for holding a cordite -charge. A small fire was caused, and the flames passed down the -ammunition hoist to the passage below, igniting a charge which was -hooked on ready to be hoisted. Had it not been for the prompt action -of Sergeant Charles Mayes, of the Royal Marines, complete destruction -might easily have followed. With the greatest presence of mind, he -immediately isolated the cordite charges in the vicinity, closed the -sliding scuttle in the hoist, and at the same time ordered his men -to run for the nearest hoses to flood the compartment. The fire was -extinguished before it could get a hold, and for this brave deed he -was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal and an annuity of £20. - -The _Nürnberg_ executed a sudden and unexpected manœuvre at 6.10 by -turning inwards as if about to ram her opponent. Continuing the turn, -however, she eventually passed astern of the _Kent_ and brought her -starboard guns into play for the first time. During this manœuvre, -and while in an end-on position, two of our shells burst almost -simultaneously on her forecastle, causing a fire and putting the guns -there out of action. - -In reply to this manœuvre the _Kent_ turned to a nearly opposite -course. It will be realised from the plan that the _Kent_ was -travelling well over twice as fast as her opponent at this time, and -that her port guns were now brought into action. The courses of both -ships were again roughly parallel, the _Kent_ taking care to avoid -getting on the beam of the _Nürnberg_, which would have afforded the -latter an opportunity of using her torpedoes. - -From now on the distance between the two ships gradually increased. - -The German's fire was very spasmodic, and it was evident that she -could not last much longer. By 6.25 her engines were apparently -stopped, for she was barely moving through the water. She was now -badly battered and scarcely recognisable as the ship of an hour and -a half before. The _Kent_ had to turn right round again to keep -somewhere near her, and continued to fire at her with devastating -effect. - -At 6.36 the enemy ceased fire altogether, the _Kent_ followed suit, -and for a short while awaited developments. Being now on fire all -along her fore part, the German ship looked a complete wreck, and -showed not a vestige of life as she lay helpless on the water. She -had a list, and was at a dead standstill. In vain the _Kent_ waited -for her to strike her colours, and so, as she showed no signs of -sinking, opened fire once more, slowly closing and keeping well -before her beam, firing at her with all guns that would bear. Not -till 6.57 did she haul down her colours, whereupon all firing ceased. - -On examination it was found that nearly all the _Kent's_ boats were -splintered or smashed up by the enemy's fire, and there were only -two that could be temporarily patched up in a short space of time. -While the necessary repairs were in progress, the _Nürnberg_, which -had been heeling over more and more, turned over on her starboard -side, and in a deathlike silence disappeared beneath the surface -at 7.27 P.M. Captain J. D. Allen, in Writing of his Men, says, "No -sooner had she sunk than the _Kent's_ men displayed the same zeal and -activity in endeavouring to save life as they had done in fighting -the ship. Boats were hastily repaired and lowered, manned by men -eagerly volunteering to help. Unfortunately, the sea was rough and -the water very cold, so we only succeeded in picking up twelve men, -of whom five subsequently died." The search for the survivors was -continued till 9 A.M. It is said that even the living were attacked -by albatrosses. - -While the ship was sinking a few German seamen gathered at the stern -and waved their ensign to and fro before going down with the ship. - -The _Kent_ was hit thirty-seven times altogether, but suffered -no damage affecting her seaworthiness. Her wireless telegraphy -transmitting instruments were smashed to pieces by a shell, which -passed through the wireless office. She was thus unable to report the -result of her action, and caused the Commander-in-Chief some anxiety -regarding her fate. The receiving instruments, however, were intact, -so all the wireless signals made by the Commander-in-Chief inquiring -as to her whereabouts were taken in and read, though she was -powerless to reply. The upper works on the starboard side presented -a sorry spectacle, but the armour, though hit, was unpierced. Only -two shots burst against the unarmoured part of the ship's side, -one making a hole about four feet square just before the foremost -starboard 6-inch gun on the main deck, and the other a hole of about -equal size on the same side immediately below the after shelter deck. - -A German officer who was saved said that they had heard by wireless -that the British had "blown up the harbour" at the Falklands, and had -fled to the west coast of Africa! He also stated that the _Nürnberg_ -had not been refitted for three years, and that her boilers were in -a very bad state, which was borne out by some of them having burst -during the chase. - -Each seaman 6-inch gun's crew had five Royal Naval Reservemen in it, -and their conduct speaks volumes for the all-round efficiency of the -men that the Navy has drawn from the Reserve during the War. - -The total casualties in the _Kent_ amounted to 16 men, 5 of whom were -killed, whilst 3 of the wounded afterwards died of their wounds. - -Commander Wharton, of the _Kent_, gives a remarkably realistic -description of the closing scenes: "It was strange and weird -all this aftermath, the wind rapidly arising from the westward, -darkness closing in, one ship heaving to the swell, well battered, -the foretop-gallant-mast gone. Of the other, nothing to be seen -but floating wreckage, with here and there a man clinging, and the -'molly-hawks' swooping by. The wind moaned, and death was in the air. -Then, see! Out of the mist loomed a great four-masted barque under -full canvas. A great ghost-ship she seemed. Slowly, majestically, she -sailed by and vanished in the night." This was the same ghost-ship -that had appeared in the middle of the action fought by the -battle-cruisers--a very fitting apparition, which upholds the legend -that one always appears at a British naval engagement. Meeting one -of the officers of this sailing vessel later on in the Dardanelles, -it was revealed that she had been out at sea so long that she was -unaware that war had even been declared, until she suddenly found -herself a spectator of two naval actions on the same day. - -A silk ensign, presented to the ship by the ladies of Kent, was -torn to ribbons in the course of the day. The pieces, however, were -carefully collected by Captain J. D. Allen, and returned to the -donors, who sewed them together. This ensign now hangs in Canterbury -Cathedral. A new silk ensign was given to the ship by the ladies of -the county of Kent, and was hoisted on the first anniversary of the -battle, December 8th, 1915. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -AFTERMATH - - ... "England - Grasped with sure hands the sceptre of the sea, - That untamed realm of liberty which none - Had looked upon as aught but wilderness - Ere this, or even dreamed of as the seat - Of power and judgment and high sovereignty - Whereby all nations at the last should make - One brotherhood, and war should be no more." - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -The battle of the Falkland Islands was, perhaps, more like the -old-time naval engagements fought by sailing ships of the line than -any other naval battle that is likely to take place nowadays. There -were no submarines, no destroyers, no aeroplanes or Zeppelins, nor -any other of the manifold death-dealing devices that tend to make war -so much more hideous than in days gone by. In a word, it was open -fighting. Not a torpedo was fired. Not even a mine was dropped, if -the survivors who stated that the German ships did not carry them -can be believed. There were a few anxious moments when zinc cases -were seen floating on the surface ahead, glistening in the sunlight, -but they turned out to be empty cartridge cases that the enemy had -dropped overboard. - -There were three very general feelings that followed on after the -battle: firstly, that we had at last been able to achieve something -of real value; secondly, that it was quite as good as a fortnight's -leave (the most one usually gets in the Navy); and thirdly, that -the war would now soon be over. In a similar manner, after a local -success on land, the soldiers at the beginning of the war frequently -hoped that it might bring matters to a conclusion. Thus do local -events in war assume an exaggerated importance. - -There can be no two opinions as to the decisive nature of this -battle. In the course of a single day, the whole of this German -squadron, together with two colliers, had been destroyed with the -exception of the light cruiser _Dresden_. A comparison of the -difference in the casualties points not only to its decisiveness, but -also to the success of Admiral Sturdee's dispositions and methods of -bringing the enemy to action. It was a strategic victory. - -The German Admiral found himself very much in the same position as -Admiral Cradock at Coronel, with one important difference. Cradock -sought action despite the many odds against him, whereas von Spee -tried to run when he found he was outclassed. Sir Henry Newbolt puts -the proposition admirably. After remarking that running is the game -of the losing side, he says, "You have only to consider what it would -have been worth to Germany to have had a Cradock flying his flag in -the _Scharnhorst_ on that December 8th. You can imagine him, when the -great battle-cruisers came out of harbour, signalling, 'I am going -to attack the enemy now,' and going straight to meet them at full -speed. Their steam was not yet up--he could have closed them then -and there. What a fight that would have been! No impotent scattering -flight, no hours of burning misery, with ships turning this way and -that, to bring their guns to bear upon an enemy beyond their reach; -but a desperate short-range action with every shot telling--a chance -of dealing the enemy a heavy blow before the end, and the certainty -of leaving a great tradition to the Service." - - -Directly the _Gneisenau_ was sunk, wireless signals were made by the -Commander-in-Chief asking where the _Dresden_ was last seen, and in -what direction she was heading at that time. It will be recollected -that she had the speed of our armoured cruisers and got clean away -without firing a single round, having been last seen by the _Glasgow_ -steering away to the S.S.W. Later signals were made calling up the -_Kent_, as no one knew what had happened to her, since she was last -seen going after the _Nürnberg_. These calls were repeated again and -again without result on account of her damaged wireless, and it was -not till the afternoon of the following day that all anxieties were -allayed by the _Kent_ arriving at Port William, bringing with her the -news of another brilliant success. - -The problem of the moment, therefore, was to complete the victory by -rounding up the _Dresden_ as soon as possible. Should she escape now -and take refuge in one of the innumerable inlets or channels that -abound in the unsurveyed localities of the southern part of South -America, clearly it would be a matter of great difficulty to catch -her. With his characteristic energy, Admiral Sturdee did not lose a -moment in following up his victory. The _Carnarvon_ was despatched -to escort the _Orama_ and colliers coming south from the base to -Port Stanley. The two battle-cruisers _Invincible_ and _Inflexible_ -proceeded with all haste to Staten Island, and thence made a careful -search for the _Dresden_ in the numerous bays around Tierra del -Fuego. The _Glasgow_ was ordered to the Straits of Magellan in the -hope that she might intercept her, whilst the _Bristol_ searched for -both the _Dresden_ and the _Kent_ to the southward of the Falklands. -Owing to lack of coal, the _Cornwall_ was obliged to return to -harbour, and was the first ship to arrive there on December 9th; she -was followed shortly afterwards by the _Kent_. - -During the night of December 8th a thick fog came on, which made -the navigation of those of our ships endeavouring to make land no -easy matter. Magnetic compasses are apt to be considerably affected -by gun-fire, and consequently the dead-reckoning positions of our -ships were by no means to be relied upon, and were not sufficiently -accurate to give confidence in approaching an indented coast like the -east side of the Falklands. - -Sad to relate, not a vestige of the _Dresden_ was seen by any of our -ships that were scattered in the search for her. She was careful -to abstain from using her wireless, even though there must have -been several German supply ships in the vicinity who would urgently -require to be informed of the annihilation of their squadron. This -quest entailed travelling at high speed, so shortage of coal and -oil fuel forced our ships to return one by one. By the evening of -December 11th the whole squadron had once again reassembled at the -Falklands. - -Congratulations now poured in from all parts of the world, and were -promulgated by the Commander-in-Chief. The Governor of the Falkland -Islands, the Hon. William Allardyce, C.M.G., visited the flagship -and congratulated Admiral Sturdee, together with the whole of our -squadron, in glowing terms on behalf of the colony. Admiral Sturdee -issued an interesting Memorandum, which is given _in toto_, calling -attention to the urgent necessity for completing the victory by -running the _Dresden_ to earth. These messages are given in Part III. - -Casualties in any decisive modern naval engagement are frequently -very one-sided, one fleet suffering enormous losses whilst the other -escapes with comparative immunity. This battle proved no exception to -this rule. In the British squadron, the _Invincible_ and _Cornwall_ -had no casualties, though they both had a big share of hits. The -_Carnarvon_ and _Bristol_ were untouched. The _Inflexible_ had 1 man -killed and 3 slightly wounded. The _Glasgow_ had 1 man killed and -4 wounded through a single unlucky shot. The heaviest casualties -occurred in the _Kent_, who had 5 men killed and 11 wounded, 3 of -whom subsequently succumbed to their wounds; most of these were -caused by the bursting of one shell. She was hit thirty-seven times, -and went in to a much closer range than the remainder of our ships. -The squadron, therefore, incurred a total loss of 10 men killed -and 15 wounded, whilst the Germans lost some 2,260 men all told. -The crews of their ships totalled 2,432 officers and men, and were -estimated as follows: - - _Scharnhorst_ 872 _Gneisenau_ 835 - _Nürnberg_ 384 _Leipzig_ 341 - -The prize bounty amounted to the sum of £12,160, to be divided -amongst the officers and crews of the _Invincible_, _Inflexible_, -_Carnarvon_, _Cornwall_, _Kent_, and _Glasgow_, being calculated -at the usual rate of £5 per head. In the course of the Prize Court -proceedings the following reference to the German Admiral Count von -Spee was made in regard to his action at Coronel: "Whatever others -might have thought of this twist of the lion's tail, it appeared that -the German Admiral was under no delusion.... It was perhaps as well -to put on record that the German Admiral, when he took his fleet into -Valparaiso, refused to drink the toast of 'Damnation to the British -Navy,' and apparently had a premonition that his end was very near." - -The prisoners of war were all sent home in the _Macedonia_ and the -storeship _Crown of Galicia_, but not before Admiral Sturdee had -given them to understand in the firmest possible manner that if any -man was found tampering with the ship's fittings, or was discovered -out of that portion of the ship allocated to his use, he would be -very severely dealt with. - -The few days spent at Port Stanley after the battle will always live -in the memory of those who were present. They were days full of hard -work, combined with visits to friends and interesting discussions on -individual experiences. The interest of meeting, boarding, and going -over other ships to view the shot holes may be imagined. Reports and -plans had to be made out. Several ships had to be heeled over to get -at the damaged part, and presented a comic appearance, the _Cornwall_ -being so far over as to look positively dangerous. All ships had to -coal and were busy at it night and day. Few will forget those night -coalings--ugh!--in a temperature of forty degrees, with a bitterly -cold wind accompanied almost invariably by occasional squalls of hail -and rain. - -Those cheers we gave one another will not be forgotten; they rang -true, being full of pent-up enthusiasm, and, as Mr. John Masefield -says, "went beyond the guard of the English heart." - -Unfortunately, subsequent events have made it impossible to recall -this overwhelming victory without a feeling of sadness due to the -loss of the gallant _Invincible_ in the battle of Jutland. One -description of that battle says that four of her men succeeded in -boarding a raft, and as one of our ships passed, taking them at -first for Huns, the narrator adds, "The four got up on their feet -and cheered like blazes. It was the finest thing I have ever seen." -Most of her crew were lost, but we have at least the satisfaction of -knowing they died as heroes. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE SAILOR IN ACTION - - "Mother and sweetheart, England; ... - ... thy love was ever wont - To lift men up in pride above themselves - To do great deeds which of themselves alone - They could not; thou hast led the unfaltering feet - Of even thy meanest heroes down to death, - Lifted poor knights to many a great emprise, - Taught them high thoughts, and though they kept their souls - Lowly as little children, bidden them lift - Eyes unappalled by all the myriad stars - That wheel around the great white throne of God." - - --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -The naval man is often confronted with the question: "What does -it feel like to be in an action at sea?" This is undoubtedly very -difficult to answer in anything approaching an adequate manner. There -are various reasons for hesitancy in reply. Broadly speaking, the -answer depends on two main factors, environment and temperament, but -there are many minor points depending on the experience, education, -and character of the man in question that at the same time vitally -affect it. An attempt to generalise, therefore, is sure to be open to -criticism. It is consequently with much diffidence that the following -ideas are set forth, in the hope that they may assist the landsman to -appreciate, in some slight degree, the various points of view of the -officers and men who fight in our warships. - -There is obviously a wide difference in the outlook, and consequently -in the working of the mind, of the man behind a gun, or in any other -position where he can see and hear how matters are progressing, and -the man buried in the bowels of the ship, who is stoking, working -machinery, or engaged in the supply of ammunition. When once the -action has begun, the former will probably never give a moment's -thought to his own safety or that of the ship he is in, whilst the -latter, during any intervals that may occur in his work, can only -think of how things are going with his ship. Lastly, there is a -very divergent view between the man who knows he is going into a -battle such as that fought off the Falkland Islands, where our ships -possessed a marked superiority, and the man who was present, say, at -Coronel, where the conditions were reversed. - -During an action, the captain of a man-of-war is usually in the -conning-tower, where he is surrounded by several inches of steel. -A good all-round view is obtained through a slit between the roof -and the walls. From this point of vantage he can communicate with -the gunnery control positions, the gun positions, engine-rooms, -torpedo-rooms, and, in fact, with every portion of the complex -machine represented by a modern warship. Having spent a number of -years at sea, he has frequently pictured to himself what a naval -engagement would be like, but it is very problematical whether he has -ever taken the trouble to analyse what his own feelings would be; in -any case, his imaginations were probably both far from the reality. -When approaching the scene of action he most likely gives a passing -thought to his kith and kin, but his responsibility will be too -great to admit of his feelings taking hold of him, and his thoughts -will afterwards be concentrated entirely on the work in hand. During -the action he is watching every movement with the utmost keenness, -giving a curt order where necessary as he wipes from his face the -salt water splashed up by a short projectile. His nerves and even -his muscles are strung up to a high pitch of tensity, and he loses -himself altogether in working out the problem before him. - -The gunnery officer in the control position on the foremast is, -of course, in a much more exposed position; without any armour -protection to speak of. Doubtless there flashes across his mind a -hope that he will come through without being picked off by a stray -shot. The thoughts of the men with him, and those of the men working -the range-finders, who also have practically no protection, will -probably be very similar to his. But when approaching the enemy, all -their attention is needed to acquire as much information as possible, -in order to get an idea of his approximate course and speed. Later, -all their faculties are exercised in determining the corrections to -be made to the sights of their guns as regards range and deflection, -so as to hit the enemy, and in giving the orders to fire. - -The navigation officer, notebook in hand, is with the captain in the -conning-tower, and his thoughts are not far different. His attention -is riveted on the course of the ship and any impending manœuvre that -he may presume to be imminent or advisable. In some of the older -ships, where the quartermaster steers from the conning-tower, his -observation is often made more irksome by salt-water spray getting -into his eyes and preventing him from seeing the compass clearly. - -With the commander and others who may be below in the ammunition -passages in the depths of the ship, the one thought obsessing the -mind to the exclusion of almost everything else will be: "What is -happening, and how are we getting on?" Passing up ammunition is no -sinecure; it is invariably a warm job down below. Stripped to the -waist, hard at it, and perspiring freely, many a joke is cracked -in much the same spirit as inspires Tommy in the trenches. Now and -again a bit of news comes down and is passed along like lightning -from mouth to mouth. For example, in one case a shell hits one of our -ship's funnels, and it has gone by the board with a frightful din, -as if hell were suddenly let loose; the news is passed down to the -commander in the ammunition passage, to which he cheerily replies: -"That's all right; we have plenty left, haven't we?" Again, a shell -strikes the hull of the ship, making her quiver fore and aft and -almost stop her roll; naturally the effect of this is felt down below -far more than on deck, and though some may wonder whether it has -struck on the waterline or not, there is merely a casual remark that -the enemy is shooting a bit better. - -The engineer officers in the engine-rooms are constantly going to -and fro along the greasy steel floors, watching every bearing and -listening intently to every sound of the machinery in much the same -way as a motorist listens to hear if his engine is misfiring. They, -too, are longing for news of how the fight is going on as they -keenly watch for any alteration of the engine-room telegraphs, or of -the hundred and one dials showing the working of the various engines -under their charge. - -The stokers, stripped to a gantline, and digging out for daylight, -are in much the same position as those passing up ammunition, save -that they seldom, if ever, get a lull in their work in which to -indulge their thoughts. Those trimming the coal in the boxlike -bunkers have perhaps the most unenviable task. Breathing in a thick -haze of coal dust, black from head to foot, they work on at full -pressure in these veritable black holes, without the chance of -hearing any news of what is going on "up topsides." - -Every man in the ship is working at his appointed station during -an action--even the cooks are busy assisting with the supply of -ammunition--everyone is behind armour, or below the waterline, with -the exception of those few whose duties do not permit of it. This -fact accounts for the comparatively few casualties in the ships that -come out the victors in a sea fight, in spite of the tremendous havoc -done by a shell bursting in the vicinity of cast steel, which throws -up multitudes of splinter in all directions. - -The guns' crews are all working at their respective weapons, -sometimes wading in water if a heavy swell falls short close to -them. Yet they see the result of their work, and every bit of damage -done to the enemy is invariably put down to the handiwork of their -individual gun. They may be said to be having the time of their lives -in a successful action. During a lull, the enemy's fire is heavily -criticised; suggestions as to the corrections that should be applied -to his gunsights in order to get a hit are calmly made as they watch -the splashes of his projectiles, and are as soon contradicted by some -other authority who suggests something different. When their own ship -is hit a remark is made to the effect--"That was a good 'un!" from -the coldly calculating point of view of the expert. Unaccountable -as it may seem, during artillery fire at sea there is usually this -irrepressible desire to figure out the corrections needed for the -enemy's gunsights in order that he may register a direct hit. -Several of our naval officers testified to this strange phenomenon -at Gallipoli, when undergoing a bombardment from Turkish forts and -batteries, and added that they were held fascinated in doing so. - -On the other hand, when a shell goes beyond the ship, at the first -shrill whiz-z-z overhead, one calculates deliberately that the enemy -will shortly lower his range, and, discretion being the better part -of valour, the welcome shelter of a turret, casemate, or conning -tower is speedily sought. It is curious that if the shells are -falling short there is no such concern for the safety of one's skin. -The writer has seen a group of officers having a spirited argument -as to the corrections that should be made to the sights of a Turkish -gun whose shell fell a few hundred yards short of the ship. It was -not till one screamed past their heads, pitching in the water on the -far side, that they thought of taking cover. The analogy does not -apparently hold good to the same extent in the sister Service, for on -terra firma the range is registered with fair accuracy, and it is -usual to scuttle off to a dug-out as soon as Beachy Bill or Long Tom -opens fire. - -A shell from a heavy gun whistling close overhead seems to recall -something of the physical emotion experienced as a child, when one -ventured too high in a swing. There is a sort of eerie feeling -in the interior which seems to struggle upward to one's throat, -thereby causing a throttling sensation; and this seems to take place -continuously, though it diminishes slightly as time goes on. - -Another feature that is perhaps worth mentioning is what the sailor -calls "getting a cheap wash." This occurs incessantly in a naval -action, for a large shell fired at a long range falling into the -water close to a ship will throw up a solid wall of water, often two -or three hundred feet in height, so that it is no uncommon thing to -get frequently soused. In the Falkland Islands battle the men right -up in the control tops on the masts of the battle-cruisers complained -of being unable to work their instruments satisfactorily owing to -frequent drenchings by spray. - -The strain that is undergone during a naval action can easily be -imagined, though most men will agree that they are unconscious of it -at the time; it is not until everything is over and finished with -that its effects materialise. In the Navy every officer and man -bears the burden of responsibility, and frequently it is one upon -which may depend the safety of the lives of his shipmates. He may -have to execute a manœuvre of vital importance--close a watertight -compartment, put out a fire caused by a high explosive shell--or -do any of the hundred and one duties that are necessary in a -man-of-war. Newton's law of gravitation tells us that to every action -there is an equal and opposite reaction. This fundamental principle -undoubtedly holds good in the working of the human mind. The old -example that a piece of cord, gradually stretched tighter and tighter -until its limit of elasticity is attained, sags when the force is -removed, is a very good parallel indeed of what takes place during -and after action so far as the average fighting man is concerned. -His mind, and all his faculties, have been extended to their full -capacity in concentrating on the work in hand, in seeing that -there is no sign of a hitch anywhere, in forestalling any possible -accident, and in thinking out his own line of action in any given -circumstance that may arise. The man who has been toiling physically -has also been strung up to the highest possible pitch; the very best -that is in him has been called forth, and he has in all probability -never done better work, or striven so hard in his life before. - -The bugle call "Cease fire" does not necessarily imply that all is -over; it may only mean a temporary cessation or lull in the action; -but when the "Secure" is sounded, there is no mistaking that the -fight is finished. This is followed by the "Disperse," when all guns -are secured, ammunition returned, and all the magazines and shell -rooms locked up. Then a large number of the men are free; orders are -given to the engine-room department regarding the speed required, -enabling some of the stokers told off as relief parties and employed -in trimming coal to be released. - -As a general rule, however, the guns are kept manned and speed is -not reduced after a modern naval action, so that the number of -men released from duty is comparatively small. Perhaps the enemy -is sinking, when the seamen will be engaged in turning out boats -preparatory to saving life. The men who are unemployed watch the -sinking of an enemy ship with very different sentiments. All -experience a glow of satisfaction, and most men will pity the poor -wretches who are drowning or clinging more or less hopelessly to -floating pieces of wreckage. A few are entirely callous, deeming such -emotions a sign of weakness in view of the many atrocities committed -by the enemy. This scarcely applied after the battle of the Falkland -Islands, where the "Hymn of Hate" and other German propaganda -fostering feelings of enmity had not embittered men's minds. - -Lastly, there comes the utter physical weariness both of mind and -body, attended by an intense longing for food, drink, and sleep, -accompanied by the pleasant thought that the war will now soon be -over. Officers crowd into the wardroom to get a drink and something -to eat. The galley fire will be out, for the chef has been passing up -ammunition, so no hot food, tea, or cocoa will be available for some -little time. A walk round the ship reveals men lying in all sorts of -impossible postures, too done up to bother about eating; others are -crowding round the canteen, or getting any food that they can on the -mess deck. - -After the battle of the Falkland Islands one of the boy stewards -who had been passing up shell during the action was found in the -ammunition passage, "dead to the world," lying athwart an old -washtub. There he was, in that stale and stuffy atmosphere, in the -most uncomfortable position imaginable, fast asleep, completely worn -out from sheer exhaustion, with his head and arms dangling over one -side of the tub. - -A large number have to continue their labours on watch in the engine -room or on deck, in spite of having the greatest difficulty in -keeping their eyes open. The extreme tension and strain is over, and -it requires a strong effort to resist the temptation to let things -slide and relapse into a state of inanition. - -That the men brace themselves to grapple with their further duties -in a spirit which allows no sign of reluctance or fatigue to -show itself, does them infinite credit. They must look forward -nevertheless to the moment when the ship will pass safely into some -harbour guarded by net-defence from submarine attack, where all -the guns' crews are not required to be constantly awake at their -guns, and fires can be put out. Then, after coaling, prolonged and -undisturbed sleep may be indulged in to make up for the lost hours, -and "peace, perfect peace," will reign--for a while. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -VON SPEE'S AIMS AND HOPES - - -The British Public and our gallant Allies have no doubt fully -appreciated the commercial importance of the battle of the Falkland -Islands. The relief that was thereby given to our shipping and trade -not only in South American waters, but throughout our overseas -Empire, can only be realised by those who have large interests -therein. British trade with South America was first upset by the -exploits of the _Karlsruhe_, later on prestige was still more -affected by the Coronel disaster, and, finally, most of all by the -expectation of the arrival of von Spee's squadron in the Atlantic. -The freedom since enjoyed by our merchant shipping on all the -sea-trade routes of the world was in great part due to the success of -this portion of our Navy, the blockade having been firmly established -by our powerful fleet in home waters. The toll of ships sunk and -captured in the early months of the war would have been much greater, -trade would have been seriously dislocated for the time being, and -the pinch of a shortage in food supplies would probably have been -felt had it not been for this very opportune victory. - -What were von Spee's intentions after the destruction of Admiral -Cradock's squadron we shall probably never know, but it is evident -that he could not remain in the Pacific; it is fairly certain, also, -that he intended to seize the Falkland Islands if he found them -insufficiently guarded, as he had reason to infer was the case. -Obviously the most tempting course then open to him, whether he took -the Falklands or not, was to hold up our trade along the whole of the -east coast of South America. But the possibility of doing this was -diminished by his fatal delay after Coronel, before making a move. -Had he acted at once he might have been able to do this with impunity -for at least a month, by dividing up his squadron into small units. -His coal and other supplies would have been easily assured through -the armed merchant cruisers _Prinz Eitel Friedrich_ and _Kronprinz -Wilhelm_, organising the colliers and shoreships along these coasts. -The _Kronprinz Wilhelm_ had been operating for months past on the -north coast of South America in conjunction with the _Karlsruhe_, and -therefore already knew the tricks of this trade. - -Had he been permitted to pursue this policy, von Spee was inevitably -bound to touch on the delicate subject of neutrality in arranging -supplies for so numerous a squadron. Now, according to the laws laid -down by Article 5 of the Hague Conference, 1907, "belligerents are -forbidden to use neutral ports and waters as a base of operations -against their adversaries." By Article 12 it is laid down that -in default of any other special provisions in the legislation of -a neutral Power, belligerent warships are forbidden to remain in -the ports, roadsteads, or territorial waters of the said Power for -more than twenty-four hours, except in special cases covered by the -Convention. It is left to the neutral to make regulations as to the -hospitality it will afford, and those laid down by Brazil were that a -belligerent vessel was only allowed to visit one of their ports once -in three months for the purpose of obtaining supplies. - -Being aware of these conditions, and that neutrality could not be -imposed upon to an unlimited extent, it follows that von Spee would -have been dependent in a great measure on supply ships which were -able to evade the scrutiny of the neutral authorities--a precarious -state of existence. Coal would be his prime necessity, and he might -have hoped to secure a supply of this from captured colliers, but he -could not depend upon it for such a large number of ships. Meanwhile, -however, very considerable damage might have been done to our -shipping, and it is generally believed the Germans were optimistic -enough to hope that England would be brought to her knees from -starvation by being cut off from both North and South American ports -during this period, although there was really no ground whatsoever -for such a surmise. Perhaps we shall in the future be careful not -to frame so many laws for the conduct of war, since the Power that -neglects these laws rides roughshod over her more conscientious -opponent. - -Such a scheme may have been the natural outcome of von Spee's -success at Coronel. On the other hand, it is impossible to state -with certainty that he did not intend to go ultimately to the Cape -of Good Hope or some other part of Africa, but the pros and cons -have already been discussed, and it scarcely appears probable. Von -Spee, of course, had no notion of the prompt measure taken by our -Admiralty in dispatching two powerful battle-cruisers of high speed -to these waters without loss of time and in complete secrecy, though -he must have concluded that no time would be lost in sending out -reinforcements. Apparently his judgment was here at fault; hence the -proposed attack on our colony in the Falkland Islands, the capture -of which would have yielded him coal for his squadron's immediate -requirements. - -Von Spee is said to have been over-persuaded by his staff to -undertake this latter venture. His movements here certainly led to -the conclusion that he had no fixed plan. When the _Invincible_ -reached Pernambuco on her way home, there was a strong rumour that -three colliers had been waiting off the coast for the _Scharnhorst_ -and _Gneisenau_; this points to the capture of the Falklands not -being included in the original plan. Admiral Sturdee searched the -area for these ships but found nothing. - -Both the British and German squadrons refrained from using wireless, -and so had no knowledge of their proximity during the first week in -December. Had the German ships passed our squadron whilst coaling at -the Falklands, they would in all likelihood have separated, and would -then have had a free hand--for some time, at any rate--along the east -coast, whilst our ships would have gone round the Horn and searched -for them in vain in the Pacific. The first intimation of their having -eluded our squadron would have been that much of our shipping would -be reported overdue in England from South American ports (for von -Spee would most assuredly have avoided approaching within sight of -land). This would very probably have been put down in the first few -instances to the depredations of the _Karlsruhe_, whose fate was at -this time quite unknown. The _Scharnhorst_ and _Gneisenau_ were -sufficiently powerful to cope with anything which von Spee thought -was likely to be in these seas. As a matter of fact, however, the -battle-cruiser _Princess Royal_ was in North American waters at this -time, having left England in secrecy soon after the _Invincible_ and -_Inflexible_ were dispatched south. - -In further support of this theory of what was the German Admiral's -plan of campaign, it may be mentioned that a fully laden German -collier was forced to intern at a South American port south of the -Plate in order to avoid capture by the _Carnarvon_ and _Cornwall_, -who were searching the coast there just after the battle of the -Falklands took place. Another collier, the _Mera_, put back into -Montevideo very hurriedly and interned herself, and lastly, the -tender _Patagonia_ ended her career in like manner. The presence of -all these ships in this locality is evidence of the organisation -arranged for the supply of the German squadron along this coast, and -precludes the idea of its going to Africa. - -There is evidence to show that von Spee picked up naval reservists -for his squadron at Valparaiso, but there is none to confirm the -rumour that he proposed to occupy the Falkland Islands, retaining -a garrison there after they had been captured. He could never have -hoped to occupy or to hold them for any length of time. Baron von -Maltzhan, the manager of a large sheep farm in Chile, was selected to -take command of an expedition consisting of an armed force of some -500 men, whose function was to assist in the capture of the Falkland -Islands, but not necessarily to remain on as a permanent garrison. - -The damage that can be done to merchant shipping and trade by a -single hostile ship has been demonstrated on more than one occasion -during this war. If, therefore, it is presumed that the revised -German programme was to capture the Falkland Islands, thus aiming a -blow at British prestige, and then to scatter in the manner suggested -so as to hamper or cripple our trade with the New World as long as -possible, it will then be seen how opportune a victory this was for -the British nation. - -Had von Spee escaped being brought to action, it seems probable that -he would have endeavoured to work his way home in preference to the -alternative of internment. - -In brief, then, this is a rough outline of events that "might"--one -could almost use the word "would"--have taken place, had not such -prompt steps been taken by the Admiralty to meet him wherever he -went by superior forces. Von Spee knew he was being cornered, and is -reported to have said so at Valparaiso. - -If additional proof of the decision of the Germans to bring about -this war, whatever the cost, were required, it is to be found in -the testimony of a captured German reservist, who has already been -mentioned in this book. He was German interpreter to the Law Courts -at Sydney. This man told a naval surgeon who was examining him after -he had been rescued, when he was still in a very shaken condition -and could have had no object in lying, that he had been called up by -the German Admiralty on _June 26th_. In company with several other -reservists, therefore, he took passage in a sailing ship bound for -Valparaiso, where he ultimately joined the _Leipzig_. This tale is -corroborated by the fact that von Spee put into Valparaiso to pick up -naval reservists in accordance with instructions from Germany, which -perhaps may have been the cause of his delay in coming round the Horn -after defeating Admiral Cradock. Other prisoners informed us that -they had been cruising up and down the Chilean coast in order to meet -a storeship from Valparaiso with these reservists on board, so as to -avoid being reported. The latter, however, never turned up, so the -Germans were obliged to put in there a second time. - -The murder of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria and of his -wife, the alleged cause of this war, took place at Serajevo, the -capital of Bosnia, two days after this man was called up by German -Admiralty orders, namely, on Sunday, June 28th, 1914. - -A German newspaper, in speaking of the success of Admiral von Spee -at Coronel, also admirably sums up the issue of the battle of the -Falkland Islands: "The superiority of our fleet in no way detracts -from the glory of our victory, for the very essence of the business -of a strategist is the marshalling of a superior fleet at the right -place and at the right moment." - - "Not unto us," - Cried Drake, "not unto us--but unto Him - Who made the sea, belongs our England now! - Pray God that heart and mind and soul we prove - Worthy among the nations of this hour - And this great victory, whose ocean fame - Shall wash the world with thunder till that day - When there is no more sea, and the strong cliffs - Pass like a smoke, and the last peal of it - Sounds thro' the trumpet." - - ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -THE PARTING OF THE WAYS - - "Now to the Strait Magellanus they came - And entered in with ringing shouts of joy. - Nor did they think there was a fairer strait - In all the world than this which lay so calm - Between great silent mountains crowned with snow, - Unutterably lonely - From Pole to Pole, one branching bursting storm - Of world-wide oceans, where the huge Pacific - Roared greetings to the Atlantic." - - ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -The failure to round up the _Dresden_ directly after the battle was -naturally a great disappointment, but our recent success prevented -anyone from feeling it too keenly. Hearing that the _Dresden_ had -suddenly put into Punta Arenas (Magellan Straits) to coal, Admiral -Sturdee immediately ordered the _Inflexible_, _Glasgow_, and -_Bristol_ to go in pursuit of her in that direction. Sailing at 4 -A.M. on December 13th, the _Bristol_ arrived there the following -afternoon to find that the _Dresden_ had left the previous evening at -10 P.M., steaming away westwards. It was tantalising to have got so -close to her, for she was not heard of again for months after this. -All our ships now joined in the search, during which every possible -bay and inlet was thoroughly examined. A glance at a large-scale -map of this locality will show the difficulties that had to be -surmounted. There were thousands of possible hiding-places amongst -the channels and islands, many of which were quite unsurveyed; and, -at first sight, it appeared nearly impossible to investigate all of -these in anything short of a lifetime. - -The Admiralty now ordered the _Invincible_ to go to Gibraltar. On -leaving harbour on the 14th, the _Cornwall_ gave her a rousing -send-off by "cheering ship," to which she enthusiastically replied. -Admiral Sturdee sailed from Port Stanley on December 16th, to the -great regret of the remainder of the squadron. He called in at -Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, and Pernambuco _en route_, and was -received in almost the same spirit in which Nelson was acclaimed by -the Ligurian Republic at Genoa in 1798. - -Rear-Admiral Stoddart in the _Carnarvon_ now took over the command of -our squadron. The _Inflexible_ continued the search for some days, -after which she also was ordered off and sailed for the Mediterranean -on December 24th. The remainder of our ships were scattered on both -sides of South America and around Cape Horn. - -Few people have the opportunity of realising the beauty and grandeur -of the scenery in this part of the world, which resembles nothing -so much as the fjords of Norway in the winter time. The depth -of water allows ships to navigate the narrowest channels, where -glacier-bounded mountains rise precipitously from the waters edge. -Once on rounding a headland we came upon a most unusual sight: some -forty albatrosses were sitting on the water. Our arrival caused them -considerable inconvenience and alarm, and it was the quaintest -sight to see these huge birds with their enormous spread of wing -endeavouring to rise, a feat which many of them were unable to -achieve even after several attempts. All these "fjords" abound in -seals--chiefly of the hairy variety--sea-lions, and every imaginable -kind of penguin. Long ropes of seaweed, usually known amongst the -seafaring world as kelp, grow on the submerged rocks, and are an -invaluable guide to the sailor as they indicate the rocky patches. -They grow to an enormous length, and are to be seen floating on the -face of the water; in fact, we had many an anxious though profitable -moment in these unsurveyed localities owing to their sudden and -unexpected appearance. At intervals a sliding glacier would enshroud -the face of a mountain in a dense mist formed by myriads of -microscopic particles of ice, which would be followed by wonderful -prismatic effects as the sun forced his way through, transforming -the scene into a veritable fairyland of the most gorgeous lights -and shades. Towards sunset the rose-pink and deep golden shafts of -light on the snow-covered peaks beggared all description, and forced -the onlooker literally to gasp in pure ecstasy. Only the pen of a -brilliant word-painter could do justice to the wealth of splendour of -this ever-changing panorama. - -The true Patagonian is nearly extinct, and the Indians inhabiting -Tierra del Fuego are of a low social order, very primitive, and wild -in appearance. We sometimes passed some of these in their crude -dug-out canoes, which they handle most dexterously. Considering the -severity of the climate, the temperature of which runs round about -40° Fahr., they wear remarkably few clothes, and the children -frequently none at all, which accounts for the hardiness of those -that survive. - -The difference between the east and west territory of the Straits -of Magellan is very marked. The Atlantic end is bordered by sandy -beaches and green, undulating slopes backed by mountains, and the -weather at this time of year is generally fine and calm; whereas the -Pacific side is devoid of all vegetation, glaciers and mountain crags -covered with snow descend nearly perpendicularly to the Straits, and -it is no exaggeration to say that it is possible to go almost close -alongside these high walls without any damage to the ship. Here the -weather is altogether different, frequent blizzards are attended -by rough weather, with heavy seas off the entrance, and it is far -colder. The cause of this contrast lies in the Andes, which extend -down to Cape Horn and break the force of the strong westerly winds -(the roaring forties) that prevail in these latitudes. - -On Christmas Day, 1914, the two battle-cruisers were on their way to -Europe. The _Carnarvon_ spent the day coaling in Possession Bay in -the Straits of Magellan. We were also there in the _Cornwall_, but -were more fortunate in having finished coaling the previous evening; -however, we went to sea during the afternoon. It was scarcely what -one would term a successful day, for the ship had to be cleaned, -and it was impossible to decorate the mess deck, as is the custom. -Nevertheless, we had a cheerful Service, which was followed by Holy -Communion, and for the mid-day dinner there was plenty of salt pork -and plum-duff! Unfortunately, as has been related, we were not to -get our mail or our plum-puddings for many a long day. The _Kent_, -_Glasgow_, _Bristol_, and _Orama_ had poor weather off the coast of -Chile, which did not help to enliven their Christmas. The _Otranto_, -perhaps, was the best off, having recently come from Sierra Leone, -where she had filled up with provisions. - -The _Cornwall_ was the next ship to be ordered away. We left Port -Stanley on January 3rd, 1915, and sailed for England to have the -damage to our side properly repaired in dry dock. - -It would be tedious to follow in detail the wanderings of the -remainder of our ships, who proceeded with colliers in company to -ferret out every nook and cranny in this indented coastline. The -_Newcastle_ and some Japanese cruisers operated farther to the north -along the Pacific side. Admiral Stoddart's squadron must have covered -many thousands of miles with practically no respite in this onerous -and fatiguing duty. Their lot was by no means enviable, they were -perpetually under way, except when they stopped to replenish with -coal, their mails were of necessity very irregular, and they were -seldom able to get fresh food. Imagine, then, with what joy they -ultimately found the termination of their labours in the sinking of -the _Dresden_! - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -THE LAST OF THE "DRESDEN" - - "Tell them it is El Draque," he said, "who lacks - The time to parley; therefore it will be well - They strike at once, for I am in great haste." - There, at the sound of that renowned name, - Without a word down came their blazoned flag! - Like a great fragment of the dawn it lay, - Crumpled upon their decks.... - - ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). - - -There is remarkably little to tell about this action, which concludes -the exploits of our ships in these waters. The whole fight only -lasted a few minutes altogether--a poor ending to a comparatively -fruitless career, considering the time that the _Dresden_ was at -large. During the months of January and February, 1915, the search -for her had been carried on unremittingly; but though she had managed -successfully to evade us, she was so pressed that she was unable to -harass or make attacks on our shipping. That she never once attempted -to operate along the main trade routes shows the energy with which -this quest was prosecuted. From the time of her escape on December -8th till the day on which she sank, the _Dresden_ only destroyed -two sailing vessels. She, however, made such thorough arrangements -to cover her movements that no reliable information as to her -whereabouts ever leaked through to our squadron. Rumours were legion, -and there were "people who were prepared to swear that they had seen -her." The two places they mentioned were practically uncharted and -were found to be full of hidden dangers. Acting on this "reliable" -information, the localities were examined by our cruisers early in -March, but it was found out afterwards that the _Dresden_ had never -visited either of them. - -The armed merchantman _Prinz Eitel Friedrich_ had been much more -successful, and had captured and destroyed ten ships during these two -months. Many, it is true, were sailing vessels, but none the less -anxiety began to make itself felt in local shipping circles, and the -whole position once more became uneasy and disturbed. Early in March -the _Prinz Eitel Friedrich_ arrived at Newport News in the United -States with a number of prisoners on board, which had been taken -from these prizes. She was badly in need of refit, and her engines -required repairs. On learning that one of her victims was an American -vessel, public indignation was hotly aroused, and but little sympathy -was shown for her wants. Her days of marauding were brought to an -end, for the Americans resolutely interned her. - -On March 8th the _Kent_, in the course of her patrol duties, sighted -the _Dresden_ in latitude 37 S., longitude 80 W. It was a calm, misty -morning, which made it impossible to see any distance. During the -afternoon the haze suddenly lifted, and there was the _Dresden_, only -ten miles away. The _Kent_ seems to have sighted the _Dresden_ first, -and steamed full speed towards her for a few minutes before being -observed. This interval, however, did not allow her to get within gun -range. Of course the _Dresden_, being a far newer and faster vessel, -soon increased the distance between them, and after a five-hours' -chase, finally escaped under cover of the darkness. This was the -first time she had been sighted by a British warship since December -8th. It was noticed that she was standing well out of the water, -and this chase must have used up a lot of coal. It was obvious, -therefore, that she would require coal very shortly, and at a no very -distant port. - -The _Kent_ proceeded to Coronel to coal, informing the _Glasgow_ -and _Orama_. A search was organised, and, as a result of a wireless -signal from the _Glasgow_, the _Kent_ rejoined her not far from where -the _Dresden_ had been sighted. The _Glasgow_, _Kent_, and _Orama_ -caught sight of their quarry at 9 A.M. on March 14th, 1915, near Juan -Fernandez Island. Smoke was seen to be issuing from the _Dresden's_ -funnels as our ships closed in on her from different directions. She -was taken completely by surprise, and it was evident that there was -no possible escape for her. As our ships approached she kept her -guns trained on them, but did not attempt to open fire. Then all -three British ships fired together, to which the German replied. The -official statement tersely reports: "An action ensued. After five -minutes' fighting the _Dresden_ hauled down her colours and displayed -the white flag." - -Immediately the white flag was hoisted, all the British ships ceased -firing. The crew of the _Dresden_ then began to abandon her in -haste, and were to be seen assembling on shore. Just as the last -party of men were leaving the ship, the Germans made arrangements -to blow up the foremost magazine. Not long afterwards there was a -loud explosion, and the ship began to sink slowly, bows first. The -_Dresden's_ officers and men had all got well clear of the ship. -An hour later, at a quarter-past twelve, she disappeared below the -surface, flying the white flag and the German ensign which had been -re-hoisted at the last. All the surgeons and sick-berth staff of the -British ships now attended to the German wounded, who were afterwards -conveyed in the _Orama_ to Valparaiso, where they were landed and -taken to the German hospital. - -Such a tame finish to their labours naturally caused disappointment -amongst our ship's companies, who expected the enemy to uphold the -traditions of Vice-Admiral von Spee by fighting to the last. The main -object, however, had been achieved, the victory gained by Admiral -Sturdee at the battle of the Falkland Islands had at last been made -complete, and our ships in South American waters were now free to -proceed on other useful service. - - - - -PART III - -OFFICIAL DISPATCHES - - - - -OFFICIAL DISPATCHES - - - - -I - -DISPATCH OF THE ACTION OF H.M.S. "CARMANIA" - -September 14th, 1914 - - -The Secretary of the Admiralty communicates the following for -publication. It is a narrative of the action in South Atlantic on -September 14th, 1914, between H.M.S. _Carmania_ and the German armed -merchant ship _Cap Trafalgar_:-- - - Shortly after 11 A.M. we made out a vessel, and on nearer - approach we saw there were three vessels, one a large liner, - the others colliers. The latter had derricks topped, and were - probably working when we hove in sight. Before we had raised - their hulls they had separated, and were making off in different - directions. The large vessel was, apparently, about our own - size, with two funnels painted to represent a Castle liner. - After running away for a little while, the large steamer turned - to starboard and headed towards us. She was then steering about - south, and we were steering about south-west. The weather was - fine and sunny, with a moderate breeze from the north-east. Our - speed was 16 knots, and his apparently about 18. At 8,500 yards - we fired a shot across his bows, and he immediately opened fire - from his starboard after gun. We opened with all the port guns, - and the firing became general. We were now well within range, and - most of his shots went over. Consequently our rigging, masts, - funnels, derricks, and ventilators all suffered. He was then - well open on our port side. All our port guns and his starboard - guns engaged, and firing became rapid. Owing to the decreasing - range, his machine guns were becoming particularly dangerous, so - the ship was turned away from him and the range opened. The ship - continued to turn until the starboard battery was engaged. - - Two of our hits were seen to take his deck steam pipes. He was - well on fire forward, and had a slight list to starboard. One of - his shells had passed through the cabin, under our forebridge, - and although it did not burst, it started a fire which became - rapidly worse, no water being available owing to the fire main - having been shot through. The chemical fire extinguishers proving - of very little use, the fire got such a firm hold that the - forebridge had to be abandoned, and the ship conned from aft, - using the lower steering position. At this time the enemy was on - our starboard, with a heavy list to starboard, and at 1.50 P.M., - or one hour and forty minutes from the firing of the first shot, - she capsized to starboard and went down bows first, with colours - flying. It was some time before we got the fire under, which - necessitated keeping the ship before the wind, and consequently - we could not go to the assistance of the survivors, some of whom - got away in boats and were picked up by one of the colliers. - - The enemy before sinking was in wireless communication with some - German vessel, and as smoke was seen in the northern horizon and - the signalman thought he could make out a cruiser's funnels, we - went off full speed to the southward. When we were in touch with - the _Cornwall_ all we asked him was to meet us, as the ship was - unseaworthy and practically all communications and navigational - instruments were destroyed, rendering the conning and navigation - of the ship difficult and uncertain. - - On the 15th, at 4.30 P.M., the _Bristol_ picked us up and - escorted us until relieved by the _Cornwall_, who took us on to - an anchorage to effect temporary repairs. - - The following were decorated for their services during this - engagement: - - CAPTAIN NOEL GRANT, Royal Navy, awarded the C.B. He commanded and - manœuvred the _Carmania_ throughout the action, and handled the - ship with rare skill and judgment. - - ACTING-COMMANDER JAMES C. BARR, Royal Naval Reserve, awarded the - C.B. He was primarily concerned in getting the fire under, and - prevented it spreading. - - LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER E. L. B. LOCKYER, Royal Navy, awarded - the D.S.O. Controlled the gun-fire in the most cool and - efficient manner, after which he concentrated all his energy on - extinguishing the fire. - - CHIEF GUNNER HENRY MIDDLETON, Royal Navy, awarded the D.S.C. - Did extremely well in charge of the ammunition parties, and - encouraged his men by his personal behaviour and coolness. - - ACTING SUB-LIEUTENANT G. F. DICKENS, Royal Naval Reserve, awarded - the D.S.C. Saved vital parts of the Standard Compass when the - bridge was abandoned, and then assisted in saving the charts. - - MIDSHIPMAN D. N. COLSON, Royal Naval Reserve, awarded the - D.S.C. Took the fire-hose into the Chart House, and in spite of - being burned by falling wood, managed to pass the charts out to - Sub-Lieutenant Dickens. - - - LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER W. J. O'NEIL and LIEUTENANT P. A. MURCHIE, - of the Royal Naval Reserve, together with CHIEF-ENGINEER F. - DRUMMOND and 2ND ENGINEER J. MCDONALD, were all specially - mentioned in dispatches. - - In addition to the above, twelve men were awarded the D.S.M. for - various acts of gallantry. - - - - -II - -DISPATCH OF THE ACTION FOUGHT OFF CORONEL - -November 1st, 1914 - -THE NAVAL FIGHT OFF CHILE - - -The Secretary of the Admiralty announces that the following report -has been received from H.M.S. _Glasgow_ (Captain John Luce, R.N.) -concerning the recent action off the Chilean coast:-- - - _Glasgow_ left Coronel 9 A.M. on November 1 to rejoin _Good Hope_ - (flagship), _Monmouth_, and _Otranto_ at rendezvous. At 2 P.M. - flagship signalled that apparently from wireless calls there - was an enemy ship to northward. Orders were given for squadron - to spread N.E. by E. in the following order: _Good Hope_, - _Monmouth_, _Otranto_, and _Glasgow_, speed to be worked up to 15 - knots. 4.20 P.M. saw smoke; proved to be enemy ships, one small - cruiser and two armoured cruisers. _Glasgow_ reported to Admiral, - ships in sight were warned, and all concentrated on _Good Hope_. - At 5 P.M. _Good Hope_ was sighted. - - 5.47 P.M., squadron formed in line-ahead in following order: - _Good Hope_, _Monmouth_, _Glasgow_, _Otranto_. Enemy, who had - turned south, were now in single line-ahead 12 miles off, - _Scharnhorst_ and _Gneisenau_ leading. 6.18 P.M., speed ordered - to 17 knots, and flagship signalled _Canopus_, 'I am going - to attack enemy now.' Enemy were now 15,000 yards away and - maintained this range, at the same time jambing wireless signals. - - By this time sun was setting immediately behind us from enemy - position, and while it remained above horizon we had advantage in - light, but range too great. 6.55 P.M., sun set, and visibility - conditions altered, our ships being silhouetted against - afterglow, and failing light made enemy difficult to see. - - 7.3 P.M., enemy opened fire 12,000 yards, followed in quick - succession by _Good Hope_, _Monmouth_, _Glasgow_. Two squadrons - were now converging, and each ship engaged opposite number in - the line. Growing darkness and heavy spray of head sea made - firing difficult, particularly for main deck guns of _Good Hope_ - and _Monmouth_. Enemy firing salvo got range quickly, and their - third salvo caused fire to break out on fore part of both ships, - which were constantly on fire till 7.45 P.M. 7.50 P.M., immense - explosion occurred on _Good Hope_ amidships, flames reaching 200 - feet high. Total destruction must have followed. It was now quite - dark. - - Both sides continued firing at flashes of opposing guns. - _Monmouth_ was badly down by the bow and turned away to get - stern to sea, signalling to _Glasgow_ to that effect. 8.30 P.M., - _Glasgow_ signalled to _Monmouth_, 'Enemy following us,' but - received no reply. Under rising moon enemy's ships were now - seen approaching, and as _Glasgow_ could render _Monmouth_ no - assistance, she proceeded at full speed to avoid destruction. - 8.50 P.M., lost sight of enemy. 9.20 P.M., observed 75 flashes of - fire, which was no doubt final attack on _Monmouth_. - - Nothing could have been more admirable than conduct of officers - and men throughout. Though it was most trying to receive great - volume of fire without chance of returning it adequately, all - kept perfectly cool, there was no wild firing, and discipline - was the same as at battle practice. When target ceased to be - visible, gunlayers spontaneously ceased fire. The serious reverse - sustained has entirely failed to impair the spirit of officers - and ship's company, and it is our unanimous wish to meet the - enemy again as soon as possible. - - - - -III - -OFFICIAL DISPATCH OF VICE-ADMIRAL COUNT VON SPEE - - -The following official report of the action fought off Coronel on -November 1st appeared in the German Press, and is interesting in the -light of being an accurate account as viewed by our enemies. - -On comparing it with Captain Luce's account, it will be seen that -the German clocks were about thirty minutes slow on our time. Other -evidence also points to this conclusion:-- - - The squadron under my command, composed of the large cruisers - _Scharnhorst_ and _Gneisenau_, and the small cruisers _Nürnberg_, - _Leipzig_, and _Dresden_, reached on November 1st a point about - twenty sea miles from the Chilean coast, in order to attack a - British cruiser which, according to trustworthy information, had - reached the locality on the previous evening. On the way to the - spot the small cruisers were several times thrown out on the - flanks to observe steamers and sailing ships. - - At 4.15 P.M. the _Nürnberg_, which was detached on one of - these missions, was lost sight of to the north-east, while the - _Dresden_ remained about twelve sea miles behind. With the bulk - of the fleet, I was about forty miles north of Arauco Bay. At - 4.17 P.M. there were sighted to the south-west at first two - ships, and then at 4.25 P.M. a third ship about fifteen miles - away. Two of them were identified as warships, and were presumed - to be the _Monmouth_ and _Glasgow_, while the third was evidently - the auxiliary cruiser _Otranto_. They, too, seemed to be on a - southerly course. The squadron steamed at full speed in pursuit, - keeping the enemy four points to the starboard. The wind was - south, force 6, with a correspondingly high sea, so that I had to - be careful not to be manœuvred into a lee position. Moreover, the - course chosen helped to cut off the enemy from the neutral coast. - - About 4.35 P.M. it was seen that the enemy ships were steering - to the west, and I gradually changed my course south-west, the - _Scharnhorst_ working up 22 knots, while the _Gneisenau_ and the - _Leipzig_ slowed down. The enemy's numerous wireless messages - were 'jammed' as far as possible. - - At 5.20 the arrival of another warship was reported which took - the head of the line, and was identified as the _Good Hope_, the - flagship of Rear-Admiral Cradock. - - The enemy ships now got into battle formation, hoisted their - mast-head flags, and tried slowly to approach a southerly course. - From 5.35 P.M. onwards I held to a south-westerly course, and - later to southerly course, and reduced speed to enable my own - ships to come up. At 6.7 both lines--except _Dresden_, which - was about one mile astern, and the _Nürnberg_, which was at a - considerable distance--were on an almost parallel southerly - course, the distance separating them being 135 hectometres - (14,760 yards). - - At 6.20, when at a distance of 124 hectometres, I altered my - course one point towards the enemy, and at 6.34 opened fire at - a range of 104 hectometres. There was a head wind and sea, and - the ships rolled and pitched heavily, particularly the small - cruisers, on both sides. - - Observation and range-finding work was most difficult, the seas - sweeping over the forecastles and conning-towers, and preventing - the use of some guns on the middle decks, the crews of which - were never able to see the sterns of their opponents, and only - occasionally their bows. On the other hand, the guns of the two - armoured cruisers worked splendidly, and were well served. - - At 6.39 the first hit was recorded in the _Good Hope_. Shortly - afterwards the British opened fire. I am of opinion that they - suffered more from the heavy seas than we did. Both their - armoured cruisers, with the shortening range and the failing - light, were practically covered by our fire, while they - themselves, so far as can be ascertained at present, only hit the - _Scharnhorst_ twice and the _Gneisenau_ four times. At 6.53, when - at a distance of 60 hectometres, I sheered off a point. - - The enemy's artillery at this time was firing more slowly, while - we were able to observe numerous hits. Among other things, it - was seen that the roof of the fore double turret was carried - away, and that a fierce fire was started in the turret. The - _Scharnhorst_ reckons thirty-five hits on the _Good Hope_. - - As the distance, in spite of our change of course, had now - decreased to 49 hectometres, it was to be presumed that the enemy - doubted the success of his artillery, and was manœuvring for - torpedo firing. The position of the moon, which had risen about - six o'clock, favoured this manœuvre. At about 7.45, therefore, I - gradually sheered off. In the meantime, darkness had set in, and - the range-finders in the _Scharnhorst_ for the moment used the - reflections of the fires which had broken out in the _Good Hope_ - to estimate the distances; gradually, however, range-finding and - observation became so difficult that we ceased fire at 7.26. - - At 7.23 a big explosion was observed between the funnels of the - _Good Hope_. So far as I could see, the ship did not fire after - that. The _Monmouth_ seems to have stopped firing at 7.20. - - The small cruisers, including the _Nürnberg_, which came up in - the meantime, were by 'wireless' at 7.30 to pursue the enemy and - make a torpedo attack. At this time rain squalls limited the - range of vision. The small cruisers were not able to find the - _Good Hope_, but the _Nürnberg_ came upon the _Monmouth_, which, - badly damaged, crossed her bows and tried to come alongside. At - 8.58 the _Nürnberg_ sank her by a bombardment at point-blank - range. - - The _Monmouth_ did not reply, but she went down with her flag - flying. There was no chance of saving anybody owing to the heavy - sea, especially as the _Nürnberg_ sighted smoke, and believed - that another enemy ship was approaching, which she prepared to - attack. - - At the beginning of the fight the _Otranto_ made off. The - _Glasgow_ was able to keep up her harmless fire longer than her - consorts maintained theirs, and she then escaped in the darkness. - - The _Leipzig_ and the _Dresden_ believe that they hit her several - times. The small cruisers sustained neither loss of life nor - damage. The _Gneisenau_ had two slightly wounded. The crews went - into the fight with enthusiasm. Every man did his duty, and - contributed to the victory. - - - - -IV - -DISPATCH OF THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS - -December 8th, 1914 - -ADMIRAL STURDEE'S DISPATCH - - - _Admiralty, 3rd March, 1915._ - -The following dispatch has been received from Vice-Admiral Sir F. C. -Doveton Sturdee, K.C.B., C.V.O., C.M.G., reporting the action off the -Falkland Islands on Tuesday, the 8th of December, 1914:-- - - _Invincible at Sea, - December 19th, 1914._ - - SIR, - - I have the honour to forward a report on the action which took - place on 8th December, 1914, against a German Squadron off the - Falkland Islands. - - I have the honour to be, Sir, - Your obedient Servant, - F. C. D. STURDEE, - _Vice-Admiral, Commander-in-Chief_. - - _The Secretary, Admiralty._ - - - (A)--PRELIMINARY MOVEMENTS - - The squadron, consisting of H.M. ships _Invincible_, flying - my flag, Flag Captain Percy T. H. Beamish; _Inflexible_, - Captain Richard F. Phillimore; _Carnarvon_, flying the flag of - Rear-Admiral Archibald P. Stoddart, Flag Captain Harry L. d'E. - Skipwith; _Cornwall_, Captain Walter M. Ellerton; Kent, Captain - John D. Allen; _Glasgow_, Captain John Luce; _Bristol_, Captain - Basil H. Fanshawe; and _Macedonia_, Captain Bertram S. Evans; - arrived at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, at 10.30 A.M. on - Monday, the 7th December, 1914. Coaling was commenced at once, in - order that the ships should be ready to resume the search for the - enemy's squadron the next evening, the 8th December. - - At 8 A.M. on Tuesday, the 8th December, a signal was received - from the signal station on shore: - - "A four-funnel and two-funnel man-of-war in - sight from Sapper Hill, steering northwards." - - At this time, the positions of the various ships of the squadron - were as follows: - - _Macedonia_--At anchor as look-out ship. - _Kent_ (guard ship)--At anchor in Port William. - _Invincible_ and _Inflexible_--In Port William. - _Carnarvon_--In Port William. - _Cornwall_--In Port William. - _Glasgow_--In Port Stanley. - _Bristol_--In Port Stanley. - - The _Kent_ was at once ordered to weigh, and a general signal was - made to raise steam for full speed. - - At 8.20 A.M. the signal station reported another column of smoke - in sight to the southward, and at 8.45 A.M. the _Kent_ passed - down the harbour and took up a station at the entrance. - - The _Canopus_, Captain Heathcoat S. Grant, reported at 8.47 A.M. - that the first two ships were 8 miles off, and that the smoke - reported at 8.20 A.M. appeared to be the smoke of two ships about - 20 miles off. - - At 8.50 A.M. the signal station reported a further column of - smoke in sight to the southward. - - The _Macedonia_ was ordered to weigh anchor on the inner side of - the other ships, and await orders. - - At 9.20 A.M. the two leading ships of the enemy (_Gneisenau_ and - _Nürnberg_), with guns trained on the wireless station, came - within range of the _Canopus_, who opened fire at them across - the low land at a range of 11,000 yards. The enemy at once - hoisted their colours and turned away. At this time the masts - and smoke of the enemy were visible from the upper bridge of the - _Invincible_ at a range of approximately 17,000 yards across the - low land to the south of Port William. - - A few minutes later the two cruisers altered course to port, as - though to close the _Kent_ at the entrance to the harbour, but - about this time it seems that the _Invincible_ and _Inflexible_ - were seen over the land, as the enemy at once altered course and - increased speed to join their consorts. - - The _Glasgow_ weighed and proceeded at 9.40 A.M. with orders to - join the _Kent_ and observe the enemy's movements. - - At 9.45 A.M. the squadron--less the _Bristol_--weighed, and - proceeded out of harbour in the following order: _Carnarvon_, - _Inflexible_, _Invincible_, and _Cornwall_. On passing Cape - Pembroke Light, the five ships of the enemy appeared clearly in - sight to the south-east, hull down. The visibility was at its - maximum, the sea was calm, with a bright sun, a clear sky, and a - light breeze from the north-west. - - At 10.20 A.M. the signal for a general chase was made. The - battle-cruisers quickly passed ahead of the _Carnarvon_ and - overtook the _Kent_. The _Glasgow_ was ordered to keep two miles - from the _Invincible_, and the _Inflexible_ was stationed on the - starboard quarter of the flagship. Speed was eased to 20 knots at - 11.15 A.M. to enable the other cruisers to get into station. - - At this time the enemy's funnels and bridges showed just above - the horizon. - - Information was received from the _Bristol_ at 11.27 A.M. that - three enemy ships had appeared off Port Pleasant, probably - colliers or transports. The _Bristol_ was therefore directed to - take the _Macedonia_ under his orders and destroy transports. - - The enemy were still maintaining their distance, and I decided, - at 12.20 P.M., to attack with the two battle-cruisers and the - _Glasgow_. - - At 12.47 P.M. the signal to "Open fire and engage the enemy" was - made. - - The _Inflexible_ opened fire at 12.55 P.M. from her fore turret - at the right-hand ship of the enemy, a light cruiser; a few - minutes later the _Invincible_ opened fire at the same ship. - - The deliberate fire from a range of 16,500 to 15,000 yards at the - right-hand light cruiser, who was dropping astern, became too - threatening, and when a shell fell close alongside her at 1.20 - P.M. she (the _Leipzig_) turned away, with the _Nürnberg_ and - _Dresden_ to the south-west. These light cruisers were at once - followed by the _Kent_, _Glasgow_, and _Cornwall_, in accordance - with my instructions. - - The action finally developed into three separate encounters, - besides the subsidiary one dealing with the threatened landing. - - - (B)--ACTION WITH THE ARMOURED CRUISERS - - The fire of the battle-cruisers was directed on the _Scharnhorst_ - and _Gneisenau_. The effect of this was quickly seen, when at - 1.25 P.M., with the _Scharnhorst_ leading, they turned about 7 - points to port in succession into line-ahead and opened fire at - 1.30 P.M. Shortly afterwards speed was eased to 24 knots, and the - battle-cruisers were ordered to turn together, bringing them into - line-ahead, with the _Invincible_ leading. - - The range was about 13,500 yards at the final turn, and increased - until, at 2 P.M., it had reached 16,450 yards. - - The enemy then (2.10 P.M.) turned away about 10 points to - starboard and a second chase ensued, until, at 2.45 P.M., the - battle-cruisers again opened fire; this caused the enemy, at 2.53 - P.M., to turn into line-ahead to port and open fire at 2.55 P.M. - - The _Scharnhorst_ caught fire forward, but not seriously, and her - fire slackened perceptibly; the _Gneisenau_ was badly hit by the - _Inflexible_. - - At 3.30 P.M. the _Scharnhorst_ led round about 10 points to - starboard; just previously her fire had slackened perceptibly, - and one shell had shot away her third funnel; some guns were - not firing, and it would appear that the turn was dictated by a - desire to bring her starboard guns into action. The effect of - the fire on the _Scharnhorst_ became more and more apparent in - consequence of smoke from fires, and also escaping steam; at - times a shell would cause a large hole to appear in her side, - through which could be seen a dull red glow of flame. At 4.4 - P.M. the _Scharnhorst_, whose flag remained flying to the last, - suddenly listed heavily to port, and within a minute it became - clear that she was a doomed ship; for the list increased very - rapidly until she lay on her beam ends, and at 4.17 P.M. she - disappeared. - - The _Gneisenau_ passed on the far side of her late flagship, and - continued a determined but ineffectual effort to fight the two - battle-cruisers. - - At 5.8 P.M. the forward funnel was knocked over and remained - resting against the second funnel. She was evidently in serious - straits, and her fire slackened very much. - - At 5.15 P.M. one of the _Gneisenau's_ shells struck the - _Invincible_; this was her last effective effort. - - At 5.30 P.M. she turned towards the flagship with a heavy list - to starboard, and appeared stopped, with steam pouring from her - escape pipes and smoke from shell and fires rising everywhere. - About this time I ordered the signal "Cease fire," but before it - was hoisted the _Gneisenau_ opened fire again, and continued to - fire from time to time with a single gun. - - At 5.40 P.M. the three ships closed in on the _Gneisenau_, and at - this time the flag flying at her fore truck was apparently hauled - down, but the flag at the peak continued flying. - - At 5.50 P.M. "Cease fire" was made. - - At 6 P.M. the _Gneisenau_ heeled over very suddenly, showing the - men gathered on her decks and then walking on her side as she lay - for a minute on her beam ends before sinking. - - The prisoners of war from the _Gneisenau_ report that, by the - time the ammunition was expended, some 600 men had been killed - and wounded. The surviving officers and men were all ordered - on deck and told to provide themselves with hammocks and any - articles that could support them in the water. - - When the ship capsized and sank there were probably some 200 - unwounded survivors in the water, but, owing to the shock of the - cold water, many were drowned within sight of the boats and ship. - - Every effort was made to save life as quickly as possible both - by boats and from the ships; life-buoys were thrown and ropes - lowered, but only a proportion could be rescued. The _Invincible_ - alone rescued 108 men, 14 of whom were found to be dead after - being brought on board; these men were buried at sea the - following day with full military honours. - - - (C)--ACTION WITH THE LIGHT CRUISERS - - At about 1 P.M., when the _Scharnhorst_ and _Gneisenau_ turned - to port to engage the _Invincible_ and _Inflexible_, the enemy's - light cruisers turned to starboard to escape; the _Dresden_ was - leading and the _Nürnberg_ and _Leipzig_ followed on each quarter. - - In accordance with my instructions, the _Glasgow_, _Kent_, and - _Cornwall_ at once went in chase of these ships; the _Carnarvon_, - whose speed was insufficient to overtake them, closed the - battle-cruisers. - - The _Glasgow_ drew well ahead of the _Cornwall_ and _Kent_, and - at 3 P.M. shots were exchanged with the _Leipzig_ at 12,000 - yards. The _Glasgow's_ object was to endeavour to outrange the - _Leipzig_ with her 6-inch guns and thus cause her to alter coarse - and give the _Cornwall_ and _Kent_ a chance of coming into action. - - At 4.17 P.M. the _Cornwall_ opened fire, also on the _Leipzig_. - - At 7.17 P.M. the _Leipzig_ was on fire fore and aft, and the - _Cornwall_ and _Glasgow_ ceased fire. - - The _Leipzig_ turned over on her port side and disappeared at 9 - P.M. Seven officer and eleven men were saved. - - At 3.36 P.M. the _Cornwall_ ordered the _Kent_ to engage the - _Nürnberg_, the nearest cruiser to her. - - Owing to the excellent and strenuous efforts of the engine room - department, the _Kent_ was able to get within range of the - _Nürnberg_ at 5 P.M. At 6.35 P.M. the _Nürnberg_ was on fire - forward and ceased firing. The KENT also ceased firing and closed - to 3,300 yards; as the colours were still observed to be flying - in the _Nürnberg_, the _Kent_ opened fire again. Fire was finally - stopped five minutes later on the colours being hauled down, and - every preparation was made to save life. The _Nürnberg_ sank at - 7.27 P.M., and as she sank a group of men were waving a German - ensign attached to a staff. Twelve men were rescued, but only - seven survived. - - The _Kent_ had four killed and twelve wounded, mostly caused by - one shell. - - During the time the three cruisers were engaged with the - _Nürnberg_ and _Leipzig_, the _Dresden_, who was beyond her - consorts, effected her escape owing to her superior speed. The - _Glasgow_ was the only cruiser with sufficient speed to have - had any chance of success. However, she was fully employed - in engaging the _Leipzig_ for over an hour before either the - _Cornwall_ or _Kent_ could come up and get within range. During - this time the _Dresden_ was able to increase her distance and get - out of sight. - - The weather changed after 4 P.M., and the visibility was much - reduced; further, the sky was overcast and cloudy, thus assisting - the _Dresden_ to get away unobserved. - - - (D)--ACTION WITH THE ENEMY'S TRANSPORTS - - A report was received at 11.27 A.M. from H.M.S. _Bristol_ that - three ships of the enemy, probably transports or colliers, had - appeared off Port Pleasant. The _Bristol_ was ordered to take the - _Macedonia_ under his orders and destroy the transports. - - H.M.S. _Macedonia_ reports that only two ships, steamships - _Baden_ and _Santa Isabel_, were present; both ships were sunk - after the removal of the crew. - - I have pleasure in reporting that the officers and men under my - orders carried out their duties with admirable efficiency and - coolness, and great credit is due to the Engineer Officers of all - the ships, several of which exceeded their normal full speed. - - The names of the following are specially mentioned: - - OFFICERS - - Commander Richard Herbert Denny Townsend, H.M.S. _Invincible_. - - Commander Arthur Edward Frederick Bedford, H.M.S. _Kent_. - - Lieutenant-Commander Wilfrid Arthur Thompson, H.M.S. _Glasgow_. - - Lieutenant-Commander Hubert Edward Danreuther, First and Gunnery - Lieutenant, H.M.S. _Invincible_. - - Engineer-Commander George Edward Andrew, H.M.S. _Kent_. - - Engineer-Commander Edward John Weeks, H.M.S. _Invincible_. - - Paymaster Cyril Sheldon Johnson, H.M.S. _Invincible_. - - Carpenter Thomas Andrew Walls, H.M.S. _Invincible_. - - Carpenter William Henry Venning, H.M.S. _Kent_. - - Carpenter George Henry Egford, H.M.S. _Cornwall_. - - - PETTY OFFICERS AND MEN - - Ch. P.O. D. Leighton, O.N. 124238, _Kent_. - - P.O., 2nd Cl., M. J. Walton (R.F.R., A1756), O.N. 118358, _Kent_. - - Ldg. Smn. F. S. Martin, O.N. 233301, _Invincible_, Gnr's Mate, - Gunlayer, 1st Cl. - - Sigmn. F. Glover, O.N. 225731, _Cornwall_. - - Ch. E. R. Art., 2nd Cl., J. G. Hill, O.N. 269646, _Cornwall_. - - Actg. Ch. E. R. Art., 2nd Cl., R. Snowdon, O.N. 270654, - _Inflexible_. - - E. R. Art., 1st Cl., G. H. F. McCarten, O.N. 270023, _Invincible_. - - Stkr. P.O. G. S. Brewer, O.N. 150950, _Kent_. - - Stkr. P.O. W. A. Townsend, O.N. 301650, _Cornwall_. - - Stkr., 1st Cl., J. Smith, O.N. SS 111915, _Cornwall_. - - Shpwrt., 1st Cl., A. N. E. England, O.N. 341971, _Glasgow_. - - Shpwrt., 2nd Cl., A. C. H. Dymott, O.N. M. 8047, _Kent_. - - Portsmouth R.F.R.B.-3307 Sergeant Charles Mayes, H.M.S. _Kent_. - - F. C. D. STURDEE. - - - - -BATTLE OF FALKLAND ISLANDS, - -December 8th, 1914. - -MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATION. - - - H.M.S. _Invincible_. - _11th December, 1914._ - - _Memorandum._ - -The following copy of a telegram received from the Admiralty, and the -reply thereto, are forwarded for information. Both of these messages -are to be read to the whole Ship's Company on the Quarter Deck of -H.M. Ships under your command. - - (Signed) F. C. D. STURDEE, - _Vice-Admiral_, - _Commander-in-Chief_. - - _The Rear-Admiral and Officers Commanding - H.M. Ships, - South Atlantic and South Pacific Squadron._ - - - _For_ ADMIRAL, _Invincible_. (_Date_) 9.12.14 - - _From_ ADMIRALTY. - -The following message has been received for you from His Majesty:-- - - I heartily congratulate you and your officers and - men on your most opportune victory. - - GEORGE R.I. - - 2. Our thanks are due to yourself and to officers - and men for the brilliant victory you have reported. - - - _Reply to_ HIS MAJESTY: - -Your Majesty's gracious message has been received with pride and -satisfaction by myself, the Rear-Admiral, Captains, Officers, and -Ship's Companies under my command. - -We hope soon to have the privilege of completing our mission by -disposing of the remaining cruiser. - - COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, _Invincible_. - - - _Reply to_ THEIR LORDSHIPS: - -Admiralty congratulations not received till to-day. Myself, officers -and men desire to thank their Lordships for the approbation of our -efforts. - - - _From_ C.-IN-C. HOME FLEETS, H.M.S. _Cyclops_. - - (_Date_) 10.12.14. 1.14 A.M. - -With reference to your telegram 485[10] may I be permitted to offer -my sincere congratulations on the splendid success attending your -dispositions. - - - _From_ ADMIRAL, _Marseillaise, Brest_. (_Date_) 10.12.14. - - _To_ NAVAL ATTACHÉ. - -I beg to express to the Admiralty how fully I share their joy at the -brilliant revenge taken by the British Navy at the Falklands. - - F.N.A. OFFICE. - - - _From Petrograd._ - - _To_ VICE-ADMIRAL STURDEE, _Admiralty, London_. - - (_Date_) 12.12.14. 3.0 A.M. - -Please accept Heartiest Congratulations from the Russian Navy for the -Brilliant Action of your Squadron in fighting the Enemy and sweeping -out the oceans. - - VICE-ADMIRAL ROUSSIE NOMER. - - - _From_ C.-IN-C. HOME FLEETS, H.M.S. _Cyclops_. - - (_Date_) 11.12.14. 4.58 A.M. - -Submit the hearty congratulation of the Grand Fleet on his victory -may be conveyed to Admiral Sturdee. - - -Messages exchanged between H.E. the Governor of the Falkland Islands -and C.-in-C. South Atlantic and Pacific: - - GOVERNOR _to_ VICE-ADMIRAL: - - _11th December, 1914._ - -Warmest congratulations from self and Colony on your Victory. - -VICE-ADMIRAL _to_ GOVERNOR: - -May I thank you and the Colony for myself, the R.A., Captains, -Officers and men of the Squadron for your congratulations on our -success, which will not be complete until _Dresden_ is accounted for. -We wish to convey our thanks for the early warning of the approach of -the enemy due to the good lookout from Sapper's Hill. - -We feel the honour that the _Canopus_ and the Squadron were in a -position to prevent an old British Colony from being insulted or -injured in any way, and hope that the enemy will have been taught -a lesson not to repeat such action against any other part of the -British Empire. - - -This Memorandum is to be read to whole Ship's Company on the Quarter -Deck. - - _Invincible, at Port William,_ - - _11th December, 1914._ - - _Memorandum._ - -The Commander-in-Chief wishes to congratulate all the ships of the -squadron on the success of their main encounter with the enemy's -squadron, and to thank the Rear-Admiral, Captains, Officers and Men -for their individual assistance in attaining this great result. The -zeal and steadiness under fire of all hands were most noticeable. - -2. The victory will not be complete until the remaining cruiser -is accounted for, and directly the squadron is coaled a further -organised search will be made. - -3. One of the greatest merits of the action is the small list of -casualties due to the able handling of the ships by their Captains, -who utilised the power of the guns and the speed of the ships to the -best advantage. Further, the effective fire at long range and the -thorough organization were very evident and enabled the action to be -fought with success against a foe who displayed splendid courage, -determination and efficiency. - -4. The excellent way in which the Engine Room Departments responded -to a sudden and unexpected demand reflects great credit on the -officers and the whole engine room complements--this demand was made -at a time when ships were coaling and making good defects during the -few hours the ships were in harbour. - -5. The successful disposal of the two powerful cruisers, two of the -three light cruisers, and two colliers, will be of great advantage to -the Naval Strategy of the British Empire. - -6. Therefore all concerned can feel that they have performed a -National Service on the 8th December, 1914, off the Falkland Islands. - - (Signed) F. C. D. STURDEE, - _Vice-Admiral_, - _Commander-in-Chief_. - - _The Rear-Admiral, Captains, Officers, and all concerned, - South Atlantic and South Pacific Squadron._ - - - - -GALLANT SERVICES - -"KENT" SERGEANT'S BRAVE DEED - - - _Lord Chamberlain's Office, - St. James's Palace, S.W., - 3rd March, 1915._ - -The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following -appointment to the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in recognition -of the services of the undermentioned Officer mentioned in the -foregoing dispatch:-- - -_To be an Additional Member of the Military Division of the Third -Class or Companion:_ - - CAPTAIN JOHN LUCE, Royal Navy. - - - _Admiralty, S.W., - 3rd March, 1915._ - -The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the award of -the _Distinguished Service Cross_ to the undermentioned officers in -recognition of their services mentioned in the foregoing dispatch:-- - - CARPENTER THOMAS ANDREW WALLS. - CARPENTER WILLIAM HENRY VENNING. - CARPENTER GEORGE HENRY EGFORD. - - -The following awards have also been made:-- - -_To receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal:_ - -Portsmouth R.F.R.B.-3307 Sergeant Charles Mayes, H.M.S. _Kent_. A -shell burst and ignited some cordite charges in the casemate; a -flash of flame went down the hoist into the ammunition passage. -Sergeant Mayes picked up a charge of cordite and threw it away. -He then got hold of a fire hose and flooded the compartment, -extinguishing the fire in some empty shell bags which were burning. -The extinction of this fire saved a disaster which might have led to -the loss of the ship. - - -_To receive the Distinguished Service Medal:_ - - Chf. P.O. D. Leighton, O.N. 124238. - P.O., 2nd Cl., M. J. Walton (R.F.R., A1756), O.N. 118358. - Ldg. Smn. F. S. Martin, O.N. 233301, Gnr's Mate, Gunlayer, 1st Cl. - Sigmn. F. Glover, O.N. 225731. - Chf. E.-R. Artr., 2nd Cl., J. G. Hill, O.N. 269646. - Actg. Chf. E.-R. Artr., 2nd Cl., R. Snowdon, O.N. 270654. - E.-R. Artr., 1st Cl., G. H. F. McCarten, O.N. 270023. - Stkr. P.O. G. S. Brewer, O.N. 150950. - Stkr. P.O. W. A. Townsend, O.N. 301650. - Stkr., 1st Cl., J. Smith, O.N. SS 111915. - Shpwrt., 1st Cl., A. N. E. England, O.N. 341971. - Shpwrt., 2nd Cl., A. C. H. Dymott, O.N. M. 8047. - - -The following officers subsequently received recognition:-- - -Vice-Admiral Sir F. C. Doveton Sturdee, K.C.B., C.V.O., C.M.G., was -honoured with a Baronetcy of the United Kingdom. - -To be made Companions of the military division of the Bath:-- - - Captain John Luce (H.M.S. _Glasgow_). - Captain J. D. Allen (H.M.S. _Kent_). - -Engineer-Commander E. J. Weeks was promoted to Acting -Engineer-Captain. - - -The 1st Lieutenants of the _Invincible_, _Inflexible_, _Cornwall_, -_Kent_, and _Glasgow_ were all promoted to the rank of Commander in -the next batch of promotions on December 31st, 1914:-- - - Lieutenant-Commander J. Wolfe-Murray (_Cornwall_). - Lieutenant-Commander H. E. Danreuther (_Invincible_). - Lieutenant-Commander W. A. Thompson (_Glasgow_). - Lieutenant-Commander E. L. Wharton (_Kent_). - Lieutenant-Commander R. H. C. Verner (_Inflexible_). - -Engineer Lieutenant-Commander J. F. Shaw, the senior officer of his -rank in the squadron, was promoted to Engineer Commander. - - - - -LIST OF BRITISH CASUALTIES AT THE FALKLAND ISLANDS - - -The following is the complete revised casualty list of the action off -the Falkland Islands on December 8th, 1914:-- - - -H.M.S. "GLASGOW" - -_Killed._--Martell, E. H., stoker petty officer, Po./310682. - -_Dangerously wounded._--Bridger, M. J. E., A.B., Po./J7095. - -_Severely wounded._--Ford, H. B. S., signalman, Po./J4597; Major, -P. E., shipwright 2nd class, Po./344489; Scotchmer, A. D., A.B., -Po./232275. - - -H.M.S. "INFLEXIBLE" - -_Killed._--Livingstone, N., A.B., (R.F.R., Ch./B3593), Ch./190790. - -_Slightly wounded._--Hasler, T., ord. seaman, Ch./J18032; Mayes, A., -seaman, R.N.R., 4754A; Spratt, G. F., A.B., Ch./237219. - - -H.M.S. "KENT" - -_Killed._--Kelly, S., pte., R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., A366), Po./3793; Kind, -W. J., pte., R.M.L.I., Po./15049; Titheridge, A. C., pte., R.M.L.I. -(R.F.R., B1254), Po./11220; Wood, W., pte. R.M.L.I., Po./16920; -Young, W., seaman, R.N.R., 2543C. - -_Died of wounds._--Duckett, G. A., officers' steward 1st cl., -Po./L2428; Snow, G., pte., R.M.L.I., Po./16858; Spence, T., sergt., -R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., A811), Po./5674. - -_Wounded._--Arnold, W. P., R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., B860), Po./8302; Brewer, -G. S., stoker petty officer (R.F.R., A3572), Po./150950; Day, F. -T., pte., R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., A1008), Ch./6517; Lindsey, H., stoker -1st cl. (R.F.R., B3754), Po./SS101403; Joy, E., lance-corporal -R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., B659), Po./10568; Pear, J., stoker 1st cl. (R.F.R., -4172), Po./SS102840; Restall, J., stoker 1st cl. (R.F.R., B4055), -Po./291073; Sheridan, A. P., pte., R.M.L.I., Po./13708. - - - - -THE "DRESDEN": ACTION WITH "KENT" AND "GLASGOW" - - -The Secretary of the Admiralty makes the following announcement:-- - - On 14th March, at 9 A.M., H.M.S. _Glasgow_, Captain John Luce, - C.B., R.N.; H.M. Auxiliary Cruiser _Orama_, Captain John R. - Segrave, R.N.; and H.M.S. _Kent_, Captain John D. Allen, C.B., - R.N., caught the _Dresden_ near Juan Fernandez Island. - - An action ensued. After five minutes' fighting the _Dresden_ - hauled down her colours and displayed the white flag. - - She was much damaged and set on fire, and after she had been - burning for some time her magazine exploded, and she sank. - - The crew were saved. Fifteen badly wounded Germans are being - landed at Valparaiso. - - There were no British casualties, and no damage to the ships. - - - - -APPENDIX - -A LIST OF OFFICERS SERVING IN THE ACTIONS RECORDED IN THE NARRATIVE - - - - -APPENDIX - -A List of Officers serving in the Ships that took part in the Actions -recorded in the Narrative. - - -H.M.S. "CARMANIA" - -Armed Merchantman - - _Captain_ Noel Grant - _Com. R.N.R._ James Barr - _Lieutenant_ Edmund L. B. Lockyer - _Lieut.-Com. R.N.R._ Wm. J. O'Neill - _Lieut. R.N.R._ Peter A. Murchie - E. B. Dalby - Walter C. Battle - J. Henessey - M. F. Murray - William V. Ogley (_act._) - A. Parnis (_act._) - _Ch. Eng. R.N.R._ Francis Drummond - _Sen. Eng. R.N.R._ James Mcdonald - _Eng. R.N.R._ Robert Craig - Alexander Lindsay - Claude Shore - Robert Wilson - John O. Teare - James Duncan - Harold Kendall - Charles Rennie - Walt Fraser - James McPherson - _Fleet-Surgeon_ A. Cropley (_ret._) - _Tempy. Surgeon_ E. Maynard - Harry Clough - _Ch. Gunner_ Henry Middleton - _Act. Sub-Lieutenant_ G. F. Dickens - _Asst. Eng. R.N.R._ Joseph Verdin - Albert E. Brittlebank - Percival J. Thompson - _Asst. Paym. R.N.R._ (_in - charge_) Walter H. Ramsden - _Asst. Paym. R.N.R._ Arthur H. Burden - Ernest W. Turney - _Midshipman R.N.R._ William Man - D. N. Colson - E. R. Linger-Burton (_proby._) - J. R. Bane (_proby._) - W. Barr (_proby._) - R. P. Nisbet (_proby._) - J. B. Mein (_proby._) - - -H.M.S. "GOOD HOPE" - -Armoured Cruiser - - _Rear-Admiral_ Sir Christopher G. F. M. Cradock, - K.C.V.O., C.B. - - _Personal Staff_ - - _Secretary_ George B. Owens - _Flag Lieut.-Com._ George E. Cumming - - _Lieut. R.M._ Harold S. Walker - _Clerk to Sec._ John Egremont - Edward C. Webber - _Captain_ Philip Francklin, M.V.O. - _Commander_ Arthur T. Darley - Walter Scott - _Lieut.-Commander_ Percival Van Straubenzee - Gerald B. Gaskell - Godfrey B. J. Benyon - _Lieutenant_ Lancelot A. Montgomery - Gordon E. E. Gray - John M. H. Fisher - Douglas C. Tudor - Arthur G. Smith - _Lieutenant R.N.R._ Edward J. French - _Eng. Com._ Arthur Brown - _Eng. Lieut.-Com._ Herbert W. Couch - _Major R.M._ Frederick C. Edwards - _Chaplain_ Rev. Arthur H. J. Pitt - _Fleet Surgeon_ James J. Walsh, M.B. - _Fleet Paym._ Alfred H. Veitch - _Surgeon_ Francis C. Searle - _Surgeon_ (_Reserve_) Ferdinand L. J. M. de Verteuil, M.B. - _Sub-Lieutenant_ (_act._) Francis J. A. Cotter - _Asst. Paym._ John E. Tizard - Stuart Watson - _Ch. Gunner_ George F. Organ - _Ch. Sig. Boatswain_ William Penny - _Boatswain_ Franklyn F. Stephens - John W. Bushell - _Warrant Officer_ (_act._) Robert C. T. Roe - _Gunner_ William D. Wright - Francis A. G. Oakley - Robert J. Page (_act._) - William W. Kingdom (_act._) - _Carpenter_ Albert J. Hellyer - _Artif. Eng._ Richard M. Healy - William R. Henon - Joseph Duckworth - _Wt. Mechanician_ William A. Bass - _Mid. R.C.N._ W. A. Palmer - F. V. W. Hathaway - A. W. Silver - M. Cann - _Mid. R.N.R._ Graham Trounson (_proby._) - Henry K. D. Cuthbert (_proby._) - Geoffrey M. Dowding (_proby._) - _Asst. Clerk_ Charles G. Cook (_tempy._) - _Naval Cadet_ G. Coffin - I. M. R. Campbell - S. M. Raw - D. A. Willey - R. A. Macdonald - - -H.M.S. "MONMOUTH" - -Armoured Cruiser - - _Captain_ Frank Brandt - _Commander_ Spencer D. Forbes - _Lieut.-Commander_ Bertie W. Bluett - Hugh D. Collins - Hon. Peter R. H. D. Willoughby - _Lieutenant_ John A. Lees - Thomas Stapleton - Harry P. Rogers - Alfred Edgar - Wilfred D. Stirling - Maurice J. H. Bagot - _Eng. Com._ John B. Wilshin - _Eng. Lieutenant_ Bernard C. Child - Lionel B. Wansbrough - _Captain R.M._ Geoffrey M. I. Herford - _Chaplain_ ------ - _Staff Surgeon_ Henry Woods - _Fleet Paym._ John Cooper - _Surgeon_ Albert J. Tonkinson - _Sub-Lieutenant_ Hanway Cooper - _Asst. Paym._ Douglas B. Lee - _Ch. Gunner_ Robert T. H. V. Lee - _Ch. Carpenter_ Frederick G. Hartland - _Gunner_ James Bennett - _Boatswain_ William J. Barrett - Thomas B. Ireland (_act._) - _Artif. Eng._ George H. Farebrother - Alfred T. Johns - William Day - _Wt. Mechanician_ Alfred Start - _Wt. Eng. R.N.R._ Charles Driver - _Clerk_ Basil St. M. Cardew - _Asst. Clerk_ Cecil T. Martin (_tempy._) - _Naval Cadet_ K. A. M. Somerville - G. R. Bruce - J. F. Boulton - V. G. E. S. Schreiber - J. R. Le G. Pullen - F. A. Cooper - C. Musgrave - J. M. Pascoe - G. W. Muir - P. S. Candy - - -H.M.S. "GLASGOW" - -Light Cruiser - - _Captain_ John Luce - _Lieut.-Commander_ Wilfred A. Thompson - Charles L. Backhouse - Maurice P. B. Portman - _Lieutenant_ Herbert I. N. Lyon - Charles G. Stuart - _Lieut. R.N.R._ Walter M. Knowles - T. W. F. Winter - _Sub-Lieutenant_ Frederick B. Alison - _Eng. Lieut.-Com._ Percy J. Shrubsole - _Eng. Lieut._ John S. Machan - _Fleet Surgeon_ Robert T. Gilmour - _Staff Surgeon_ Alexander T. Wysard (_ret._) - _Staff Paymaster_ Francis E. Adams - _Asst. Paym._ Lloyd Hirst - Norman H. Beall - _Gunner_ Arthur G. Foreman - William R. Heilbroun - George H. Bartlett - _Carpenter_ Sylvester G. Pawley - _Artif. Eng._ Charles A. Palser - James Milne (_act._) - _Midshipman R.N.R._ George W. Wilson - - -H.M.S. "OTRANTO" - -Armed Merchantman - - _Captain_ Herbert M. Edwards - _Commander R.N.R._ Walter de M. Baynham, R.D. - _Lieutenant_ Julian M. Ogilvie - _Lieutenant R.N.R._ T. B. Storey - H. W. Woodcock - H. G. Thompson - R. M. Ward - F. R. O'Sullivan - A. W. Clemson - _Ch. Eng. R.N.R._ David Montgomery - _Sen. Eng. R.N.R._ William J. Philip - _Engineer R.N.R._ William Mackersie - Robert Pittendrigh - Andrew Allen - Adam A. I. Kirk - _Tempy. Surgeon_ W. Meikle - S. Robertson - _Sub-Lieutenant R.N.R._ G. F. Willdigg - R. Roscoe - _Asst. Eng. R.N.R._ Alan Cameron - Peter Brown - Thomas R. Blellock - Alexander C. Mearns - John Gemmell - Aymer. R. McDougall - William McL. Allan - _Asst. Paym. R.N.R._ Roland H. Draper - Thomas B. Wildman - _Gunner_ W. J. Drew (_ret._) - _Midshipman R.N.R._ Charles E. F. St. John - Herbert J. Anchor - George D. Scott - George E. D. Billam - D. N. White - C. C. Lawrence - - -H.M.S. "CANOPUS" - - - _Captain_ Heathcote S. Grant - _Commander_ Philip J. Stopford - _Lieut.-Commander_ Andrew Kerr (_ret._) - Philip Hordern - _Lieutenant_ Harry T. Bennett - Henry N. Lesley - Owen W. Phillips - _Lieut.-Com. R.N.R._ Arthur H. Bird - _Lieutenant R.N.R._ Charles T. Keigwin. R.D. - Clarence Milner - David M. Clarke (_act._) - William A. Williamson (_act._) - Malcolm C. Powell - _Eng. Commander_ William Denbow - _Eng. Lieut.-Com._ Sydney P. Start - _Captain R.M.L.I._ Gerald S. Hobson - _Fleet Paymaster_ Albert Greenwood - _Lieutenant R.N.R._ Charles C. Cartwright - William J. Donohue - _Staff Surgeon_ August J. Wernet - _Tempy. Surgeon_ Michael Vlaste - _Surgeon R.N.V.R._ Charles H. F. Atkinson - _Asst. Paym. R.N.R._ Harold E. W. Lutt - _Chaplain_ Rev. James D. de Vitre - _Ch. Boatswain_ John Myers - _Gunner_ James Irish - _Boatswain_ William Evans - William E. T. Honey (_act._) - _Ch. Artificer Eng._ Walter G. Morris - _Art. Eng._ Ernest E. Moorey - _Wt. Eng. R.N.R._ T. W. Greenwood - _Ch. Carpenter_ Albert Hughes - _Midshipman_ C. R. O. Burge - R. T. Young - P. R. Malet de Carteret - J. L. Storey - H. M. L. Durrant - R. H. L. Orde - R. K. Dickson - B. R. Cochrane - L. H. P. Henderson - L. H. V. Booth - _Mate_ R. C. T. Roe (_act._), left by _Good Hope_ - on an island at Vallenar Roads, Chile - _Clerk_ Jean le Jeune - _Midshipman, R.N.R._ Lawrence H. Faragher - - -H.M.S. "CARNARVON" - -Armoured Cruiser - - _Rear-Admiral_ Archibald P. Stoddart - _Secretary_ Thomas R. Waterhouse - _Flag Lieutenant_ Hon. Humphrey A. Pakington - _Clerk to Sec._ H. Guy Pertwee - _Captain_ Harry L. d'E. Skipwith - _Commander_ Thomas A. Williams - Ronald E. Chilcott - _Lieut.-Commander_ Arthur S. Burt - Arthur G. Leslie - Ralph Leatham - _Lieutenant_ A. M. Donovan - David B. Nicol - _Lieutenant R.N.R._ Bertram Shillitoe - Bertram H. Davies - _Eng. Commander_ Alfred T. P. Read - _Eng. Lieutenant_ Edward Iliff - _Maj. R.M._ Edmund Wray - _Captain R.M._ Arthur J. Mellor - _Chaplain_ Rev. John Beatty - _Fleet Surgeon_ Edward Cooper - _Fleet Paym._ Albert E. B. Hosken - _Surgeon_ Arthur G. Valpy French - _Surgeon R.N.V.R._ William H. Condell - _Sub-Lieutenant_ Philip F. Glover - Frederick W. F. Cuddeford - _Asst. Paym._ Herebert E. Symons - _Gunner_ William H. Hunt - Sidney C. Woodriffe - John F. Hannaford - W. H. Ellis - _Boatswain_ Alfred Hill - Albert E. Pearson - _Sig. Boatswain_ Herbert H. Hunwicks - _Carpenter_ Norman O. Staddon - _Artif. Eng._ Harold E. Oyler - Claude B. King - James Telford - Charles Hill - William S. Branson - _Clerk_ Charles H. Doubleday - _Midshipman_ J. R. Warburton - P. M. S. Blackett - P. J. M. Penney - S. P. Broughton - A. C. Jelf - R. M. Dick - R. G. Fowle - C. J. M. Hamilton - J. C. E. A. Johnson - M. S. Graham - R. Mandley - L. H. Peppe - - -H.M.S. "CORNWALL" - -Armoured Cruiser - - _Captain_ Walter M. Ellerton - _Commander_ Herbert A. Buchanan-Wollaston - _Lieut.-Commander_ James Wolfe-Murray - Henry E. H. Spencer-Cooper, M.V.O. - _Lieutenant_ Mansel B. F. Colvile - Edward W. Sinclair - Kenneth B. Millar - Norman Whitehead - John S. Hammill - Robin E. Jeffreys - _Sub-Lieutenant R.N.R._ Desmond A. Stride - William H. Richardson - _Eng. Commander_ Archibald W. Maconochie - _Eng. Lieutenant_ Douglas G. Campbell - Cecil J. Meggs - _Captain R.M._ Herbert R. Brewer - _Chaplain and N.I._ Robert McKew, B.A., B.D. - _Fleet Surgeon_ Malcolm Cameron - _Fleet Paymaster_ Harry G. Wilson - _Naval Inst._ Chas. S. P. Franklin, B.A. - George H. Andrew, M.A. - _Surgeon_ Cecil R. M. Baker - _Asst. Paym._ Henry Rogers - _Asst. Paym. R.N.R._ Joseph H. Wilson - _Ch. Art. Eng._ Thomas R. I. Crabb - Edwin C. Edwards - _Gunner_ Ernest Stone - Richard F. Hall - Edward W. Pearne (_T._) - _Boatswain_ Ernest H. Gearing - _Carpenter_ George H. Egford - _Art. Eng._ Percy S. Walkey - Edwin Foster - _Midshipman_ Philip F. Armstrong - Arthur H. Ashworth - Hugh E. Burnaby - John Bostock - Douglas M. Branson - Lycett Gardiner - Jocelyn S. Bethell - Morice Blood - Richard F. Carter - Willoughby N. Barstow - Nigel D. Bury - William S. Batson - - -H.M.S. "BRISTOL" - -Light Cruiser - - _Captain_ Basil H. Fanshawe - _Commander_ Harry L. Boyle - _Lieut.-Commander_ Ernest G. H. Du Boulay - _Lieutenant_ Robert F. U. P. Fitzgerald - Archibald B. Cornabé - Edward G. G. Hastings - _Lieutenant R.N.R._ James A. Hodges - _Eng. Commander_ James D. W. H. F. Cranley - _Eng. Lieutenant_ Edward G. Sanders - _Staff Surgeon_ Leslie M. Morris - _Staff Paym._ Tom Henley - _Sub-Lieutenant_ Cyril A. H. Brooking - Charles H. L. Woodhouse - _Gunner_ Stephen W. Duckett - George W. Callaway - _Boatswain_ Frank Box - _Carpenter_ William L. Harfield - _Artif. Eng._ William Tearle - Joseph L. Wagstaff - _Clerk_ John G. B. Collier - James Hogg - - -H.M.S. "MACEDONIA" - -Armed Merchantman - - _Captain_ Bertram S. Evans, M.V.O. - _Commander R.N.R._ Edwin P. Martin - _Lieut.-Commander_ Valentine D. English - _Lieut.-Com. R.N.R._ Henry G. Westmore, R.D. - W. F. Pollard - _Lieutenant R.N.R._ W. C. Young - T. C. W. Thompson - F. Cross - _Ch. Eng. R.N.R._ James G. Crichton - _Sen. Eng. R.N.R._ Thomas S. Ferguson - _Eng. R.N.R._ William C. O. Taylor - Walter J. Hickingbotham - James Finnecy - George R. R. Cushing - Edmund J. Caws - Frederick P. Voisey - _Tempy. Surgeon_ A. M. Russell - _Sub-Lieutenant R.N.R._ Alfred W. Drew - E. F. Hannan - O. Taylor - Jeffery Elliott - _Surg. Prob. R.N.V.R._ Harold Williamson - _Asst. Eng. R.N.R._ Oliver J. R. Pinkney - F. C. Masters - Joseph Neale - William G. Cheeseman - _Asst. Paym. in charge_ Herbert W. Landon - _Asst. Paym. R.N.R._ Percy Selwin - _Gunner_ James W. Drew - _Midshipman R.N.R._ H. J. Miller - G. V. Thomas - F. H. E. Firmstone - Gordon D. Brown - B. V. Rutley - W. G. Hiscock - - -H.M.S. "ORAMA" - -Armed Merchantman - - _Captain_ John R. Segrave - _Commander R.N.R._ John F. Healey, R.D. - _Lieut.-Commander_ Joseph W. L. Hunt - _Lieut. R.N.R._ Geoffrey G. Thorne - Edward S. Carver - Henry T. Heale (_ret._) - Allen Fielding - Frederick W. Willsden (_ret._) - T. P. Webb - W. A. Assenheimer - _Ch. Engineer_ John Robertson - _Sen. Engineer_ Donald McL. McWilliam - _Engineer_ J. R. Dowling - James Imrie - H. P. Jack - Alexander S. Hall - _Asst. Engineer_ Alexander Manson - Neil H. T. Hill - Charles W. Howil - Donald Matheson - David A. Sheeby - David M. Johnston - William Turner - William Houston - James Piggott - James McAdam - George Herd - _Tempy. Surgeon_ Herbert E. Scowcroft - Sydney Welham - _Sub-Lieut. R.N.R._ M. W. Cooksey - _Asst. Paym. R.N.R._ Herbert Newman - John F. Cooper - _Ch. Gunner_ Arthur J. Burstow - _Midshipman R.N.R._ Edward Roberts - Stuart F. Pocock - Leonard E. Fordham - Bernard K. Berry - S. S. Adley - H. Schofield - H. C. C. Forsyth - G. E. G. Sandercock - - -H.M.S. "INVINCIBLE" - -Battle-Cruiser - - _Vice-Admiral_ Sir F. C. Doveton Sturdee, K.C.B., - C.V.O., C.M.G. - _Secretary_ Cyril S. Johnson - _Flag Lieutenant_ Reginald W. Blake - _Clerk to Sec._ Arthur D. Duckworth - _Captain_ Percy T. H. Beamish - _Commander_ Richard H. D. Townsend - _Lieut.-Commander_ Hubert E. Dannreuther - Hon. Edward B. S. Bingham - John C. F. Borrett - Lionel H. Shore - Edward Smyth-Osbourne - _Lieutenant_ Cecil S. Sandford - Cameron St. C. Ingham - Hugh H. G. Begbie - _Lieutenant R.N.R._ George ff. H. Lloyd - _Eng. Commander_ Edward J. Weeks - _Eng. Lieut.-Commander_ James F. Shaw - _Eng. Lieutenant_ Francis L. Mogg - _Major R.M._ Robert C. Colquhoun - _Captain R.M._ Charles H. Malden - _Temp. Lieut. R.M._ John T. Le Seelleur - _Chaplain_ Rev. Arthur C. Moreton, M.A. - _Fleet Paym._ Ernest W. Mainprice - _Fleet Surgeon_ Walter J. Bearblock - _Surgeon_ Ernest MacEwan - Clarence E. Greeson, M.B. - _Sub-Lieutenant_ Alexander P. McMullen - Robert R. Stewart - _Asst. Paym._ Gordon Franklin - _Asst. Paym. R.N.R._ Clement A. Woodland - _Gunner_ William C. Hunt - Robert Connolly - Mark W. Cameron - Ernest J. Read - Sydney C. Kennell - _Boatswain_ Frederick Luker - Philip J. Warrington - Wilfred Turner - _Sig. Boatswain_ William F. Raper - _Gunner R.M._ Albert E. Nixon - _Carpenter_ Thomas A. Walls - _Artf. Engineer_ Walter H. Bull - John Dews - Frederick C. Fry - _Clerk_ William R. C. Steele - _Midshipman_ Gordon T. Campbell - Edwin T. Hodgson - Douglas A. C. Birch - John M. Shorland - John H. G. Esmonde - Allan G. McEwan - Rupert C. Montagu - Lionel D. Morse - Duncan G. Reid - - -H.M.S. "INFLEXIBLE" - -Battle-Cruiser - - _Captain_ Richard F. Phillimore, C.B., M.V.O. - _Commander_ Ernest Wigram - John W. Carrington - _Lieut.-Commander_ Rudolf H. C. Verner - Hon. Patrick G. E. C. Acheson, M.V.O. - Frederic Giffard - Ralph B. Janvrin - _Lieutenant_ Edward C. Denison - Kenneth H. D. Acland - Arthur W. Blaker - Brian L. G. Sebastian - _Lieutenant R.N.R._ Herbert J. Giles - _Eng. Commander_ Harry Lashmore - _Eng. Lieut.-Commander_ Arthur E. Lester - _Eng. Lieutenant_ Rey G. Parry - _Major R.M._ John B. Finlaison - _Captain R.M._ Robert Sinclair - _Chaplain_ Rev. Ernest S. Phillips, M.A. - _Fleet Surgeon_ Edward H. Meaden - _Fleet Paym._ Henry Horniman - _Surgeon_ John H. B. Martin, M.B., B.A. - Martyn H. Langford - _Sub-Lieutenant_ (_act._) Thos. H. Welsby - Alexander C. G. Madden - Leicester St. J. Curzon-Howe - Robert D. Oliver - Alfred E. B. Giles - John H. Macnair - George T. Philip - Terence H. Back - _Asst. Paym._ John F. Stephens - _Ch. Gunner_ Edward Fox - _Ch. Boatswain_ Alfred M. Cady - _Ch. Artf. Eng._ George E. Martin - _Gunner_ John H. Moore - Frederick W. Furmadge - _Boatswain_ John A. Brander - _Sig. Boatswain_ Phillip J. Jones - _Gunner R.M._ John Cameron - _Carpenter_ William A. Cawsey - _Artf. Engineer_ Charles A. Richards - _Artf. Eng._ (_act._) William S. Barnes - _Bandmaster R.M._ Herbert Reely - _Midshipman_ Rupert E. Bethune - John D. Chapple - Regd. G. France-Hayhurst - David D. Mercer - _Clerk_ Crichton F. Laborde - - -H.M.S. "KENT" - -Armoured Cruiser - - _Captain_ John D. Allen - _Commander_ Arthur E. F. Bedford - _Lieut.-Commander_ Eric L. Wharton - James R. Harvey - _Lieutenant_ Victor H. Danckwerts - _Lieut.-Com. R.N.R._ Charles M. Redhead, R.D. - _Lieutenant R.N.R._ Harold T. Dunn - Frederic C. Howard - William G. B. Jones - Walter R. Tilling - James Marshall - John L. S. G. Lilley - _Eng. Commander_ George E. Andrew - _Eng. Lieutenant_ Victor O. Foreman (_ret._) - _Captain R.M._ Robert W. J. Laing - _Chaplain_ Rev. Norman B. Kent, B.A. - _Fleet Surgeon_ Edward B. Pickthorn (_ret._ ) - _Paymaster_ Sydney G. Andrews - _Temp. Surg._ Ronald E. B. Burn - _Surgeon R.N.V.R._ Thomas B. Dixon - _Asst. Paym. R.N.R._ William G. Stewart - _Gunner_ Thomas P. Collins - Claude H. Griffiths - _Boatswain_ William T. Dunning - Walter H. Speed - _Sig. Boatswain_ Leonard C. Croucher - _Carpenter_ William H. Venning - _Artf. Engineer_ William Muirhead - _Wt. Engineer R.N.R_ John Garrow - John W. Scott - Donald Campbell - _Midshipman R.N.R._ Robert L. Burridge - John D. Ross - David T. M. Williams - George C. B. Liley - Cecil B. Hogan - Harold W. S. Wright - _Midshipman R.N.R._ Frederick E. Valentine - George W. Barker - Edgar H. Cowan - _Clerk_ Reginald H. Kitchin - - - - -INDEX - - - Allardyce, the Hon. William, Governor of Falkland Islands, 138 - - Allen, Captain J. D., of _Kent_, 27 - a tribute to crew of _Kent_ by, 131 - created a C.B., 191 - - America (South), apprehension in, 24 - Germans in, 16, 68 - scenery of, 159 - - _Asama_ in eastern Pacific, 46 - - Atlantic (South), battle in, 9, 26, 35, 169 - - _Australia_ joins North Pacific squadron, 72 - - - _Baden_ sunk by _Bristol_, 92 - - Barr, Acting-Commander James C., awarded C.B., 171 - - Battle-cruiser action, a, 96, 181 - - Beamish, Captain P. H., of _Invincible_, 27 - - Boarding parties and their work, 29 - - Brandt, Captain Frank, of _Monmouth_, 21 - - Brazilian ports, enemy shipping at, 25 - - Brewer, Stkr. P.O. G. S., a D.S.M. for, 191 - - _Bristol_, officers of, 211 - opens fire on _Karlsruhe_, 9 - - British casualties in the Falklands, 193-4 - men-of-war off South America, 19-27 - - - Canada purchases submarines, 7 - - _Canopus_, an amusing incident on, 90 - converted into a floating fort, 63, 85 - fine work of, 58 - good shooting by, 90 - officers of, 205 - skilful navigation of, 58 - - _Cap Trafalgar_, sinking of, 9, 26, 35 - official dispatch on action, 169 - - _Carmania_, a conflagration on, 38 - decorations for officers and men, 171 - heroism of crew, 44 - officers of, 197-8 - sinks _Cap Trafalgar_, 9-10, 26, 35 _et seq._, 169 - - _Carnarvon_, a German's toast, 108 - a valuable capture by, 24 - chases the enemy, 93 - officers of, 207 - - Chilean coast, action off the (_see_ Coronel, battle of) - - China, German squadron in, 4 - - Coaling, the "delights" of, 30, 140 - - Colson, Midshipman D.N., awarded D.S.C., 171 - - Concentration, necessity of, 61, 64 - - _Cornwall_ chases enemy, 110 - decorations for crew, 121-3 - escorts _Carmania_ to base, 42 - officers of, 209 - opens fire on _Leipzig_, 114 - - Coronel, battle of, 45 _et seq._ - enemy torpedo attack at, 55 - official dispatches on, 172-7 - outstanding features of, 59 - unreliable accounts of, 60 - vessels engaged in, 46 - visibility conditions advantageous to enemy, 52 - von Spee's report on, 52, 174 - - Cradock, Rear-Admiral Sir Christopher, a tribute to, 58 - goes down with his ship, 56 - his command reinforced, 23 - his objective at Coronel, 50 - hoists his flag, 20 - sights and chases _Karlsruhe_, 8, 20 - - _Crown of Galicia_, German prisoners on, 139 - - - Danreuther, Lieut.-Com. H. E., promotion for, 192 - - _Defence_ essays to join southern command, 27 - sails for Cape Town, 79 - - Dickens, Acting Sub-Lieut. G. F., awarded D.S.C., 171 - - _Dresden_, a vain search for, 136, 158 - arrives at Orange Bay, 7 - chase of, 110 - eludes her pursuers, 114 - hoists the white flag, and sinks, 165, 166 - joins von Spee, 8 - sinking of: Admiralty announcement on, 194 - - Dymott, Shpwrt. A. C. H., awarded D.S.M., 191 - - - Easter Island, German squadron at, 6, 45 - - _Edinburgh Castle_, deck hockey on, 26 - - Edwards, Captain H. McI., of _Otranto_, 21 - - Edwards, Mr., of Easter Island, 45 - - Egford, Carpenter G. H., receives D.S.C., 121, 190 - - Ellerton, Captain W. M., of _Cornwall_, 21, 113 - efficient handling of his ship, 119 - - _Emden_, exploits and sinking of, 11-12, 15, 63 - - England, Shpwrt. A. N. E., a D.S.M. for, 191 - - Evans, Captain B. S., of _Macedonia_, 21 - - - Falkland Islands, battle of, Admiral Sturdee's dispatch on, 178 - battle-cruiser action, 96 _et seq._, 181 - British casualties in, 138, 193-4 - commercial importance of, 151 - congratulations on, 138, 186-9 - decisive nature of, 135 - enemy sighted, 87 - light cruiser action, 110, 183 - the prize bounty, 139 - contemplated seizure of, 74, 75, 89, 119, 152 - land and sea defences of, 63, 85 - topography of, 81 - why chosen as base, 18 - - Fanning Island, British cable station destroyed at, 6 - - Fanshawe, Captain B. H., of _Bristol_, 21, 23, 24 - - Felton, Mrs., her services recognised, 88 - - Food problem in wartime, 30 - - Francklin, Captain Philip, of _Good Hope_, 20 - - French colonies, Germans and, 13 - - - German barbarity, a typical instance of, 108 - casualties in the Falklands, 138, 139 - 4.1-inch gun, range of, 47, 126 - light cruisers, chase of, 110 - men-of-war in foreign seas, 1 _et seq._ - sailors buried at sea, 109 - - Germans abandon colonies in Polynesia, 14 - in South America, 16, 68 - - Germany, her responsibility for the war, 156, 157 - - _Glasgow_, a duel with _Leipzig_, 112 - casualties in Coronel battle, 56 - chases enemy cruisers, 110 - officers of, 203 - sights enemy, 49 - - Glover, Signalman Frank, awarded D.S.M., 123, 191 - - _Gneisenau_, a gallant fight by, 102 - accurate shooting by, 53 - end of, 104 - her commander rescued, 107 - - _Good Hope_ becomes Admiral Cradock's flagship, 20 - loss of, 54-5 - officers of, 199-200 - - Grant, Captain Heathcoat, of _Canopus_, 21, 23 - - Grant, Captain Noel, of _Carmania_, 26, 37 - awarded C.B., 171 - - Great Britain and German colonies, 14 - enters the War, 4 - - - Hague Conference and the law of neutrality, 152 - - High explosives, curious examples of damage by, 121 - - Hill, Chief Engine Room Artificer, awarded D.S.M., 122, 191 - - _Hizen_ in the Pacific, 46, 72 - - - _Idzuma_ in the Pacific, 46, 72 - - _Inflexible_, a fine run by, 66 - first shot in Falkland Islands battle, 93 - officers of, 217 - - _Invincible_ and Falkland Islands battle, 93 - damaged, 105, 106 - joins Admiral Stoddart's squadron, 66 - lost in Jutland battle, 140 - officers of, 215 - - - Japan declares war, 13, 14 - - Japanese cruisers in the eastern Pacific, 46 - - - _Karlsruhe_, chase and escape of, 8 - end of, 9, 62 - - _Kent_, anxiety regarding fate of, 132 - casualties on, 132 - chases German cruisers, 110 - duel with _Nürnberg_, 128 - ensign of, 133 - officers of, 219 - opens fire on _Leipzig_, 114 - sights _Dresden_, 164 - - _Königsberg_ blocked up and destroyed, 12, 63 - - _Kronprinz Wilhelm_, escape of, 8 - internment of, 11 - - - Leatham, Captain E. La T., of _Defence_, 26 - - Leighton, Chf. P.O. D., a D.S.M. for, 191 - - _Leipzig_, a running fight by, 115 - chase of, 110 - eludes her pursuers, 45 - end of, 110 _et seq._, 118 - joins von Spee's squadron, 7, 45 - on fire, 117 - stories of survivors, 119 - - Life at sea in 1914, 28 _et seq._ - - Lockyer, Lieut.-Commander E. L. B., awarded D.S.O., 171 - - Luce, Captain John, of _Glasgow_, 21 - and Falkland Islands battle, 113, 114 - awarded C.B., 191 - report on Coronel action, 52, 172 - - Lyddite shell in warfare, 105, 116, 128 - - - _Macedonia_ conveys German prisoners, 139 - officers of, 212 - - Magellan, Straits of, 161 - - Maltzhan, Baron von, 155 - - Martin, Ldg. Smn. F. S., awarded D.S.M., 191 - - Mas-a-Fuera, temporary headquarters of German squadron, 71 - - Mayes, Sergt. Charles, brave deed recognised, 129, 130, 190 - - McCarten, E.-R. Artr. G. H. F., awarded D.S.M., 191 - - _Mera_, voluntary internment of, 155 - - Merchant ships, increased enemy sinkings of, 24 - - _Mersey_ destroys _Königsberg_, 12 - - Middleton, Chief Gunner Henry, awarded D.S.C., 171 - - _Monmouth_ in Coronel action, 53 - loss of, 56 - officers of, 201-2 - - Murray, Lieut.-Com. J. Wolfe, promotion for, 192 - - - Napier, Captain W. R., of _Edinburgh Castle_, 26 - - Naval actions, tactics of modern, 50 - - _Navarro_ sunk by _Orama_, 63 - - Navy, the, life at sea, 28 _et seq._ - postal arrangements of, 32 - work in wartime, 28-34 - - Newbolt, Sir Henry, on Admiral Cradock, 58 - on Falkland Islands battle, 135 - - _Newcastle_ in the North Pacific, 72 - - _Nürnberg_, chase of, 110 - duel with _Kent_, 128 - joins von Spee's squadron, 6 - sinking of, 131 - sinks _Monmouth_, 56 - - - _Orama_, officers of, 213 - sinks a German storeship, 63 - - _Otranto_, officers of, 204 - under enemy fire, 57 - - - Pacific (Western), the, German squadron in, 4 - - Papeete, bombardment of, 21 - French gunboat sunk at, 6 - - _Patagonia_, internment of, 155 - - _Pegasus_, sinking of, 12 - - Phillimore, Captain R. F., of _Inflexible_, 27 - - Port Stanley, arrival of _Canopus_: the scene, 84 - description of, 82 - - Port William, British squadron in, 85 - - Postal arrangements at sea, 32 - - _Princess Royal_ in North American waters, 155 - - _Prinz Eitel Friedrich_, internment of, 10, 164 - - _Professor Woermann_, capture of, 24 - - - Royal Naval Reserve, efficiency of, 132 - - - Sailors, the psychology of, 141 _et seq._ - - _Santa Isabel_, sunk by _Bristol_, 92 - - _Scharnhorst_ badly hit, 99, 100 - good marksmanship of, 53 - sinking of, 101 - - Segrave, Captain J. R., of _Orana_, 21 - - Serajevo tragedy, the, 157 - - _Severn_ and the end of _Königsberg_, 12 - - _Seydlitz_, escape of, 123 - - Shark fishing as a pastime, 31 - - Shaw, Eng. Lieut.-Com. J. F., promotion for, 192 - - Skipwith, Captain H. L. d'E., of _Carnarvon_, 24 - - Smith, Stoker John, a D.S.M. for, 122, 191 - - Snowdon, Act.-Chf. E.-R. Artr. R., a D.S.M. for, 191 - - South America (_see_ America, South) - - Spee, Vice-Admiral Count von, and his command, 4 - aims and hopes of, 151 _et seq._ - contemplates seizure of Falklands, 74, 75, 89, 119, 152 - death of, 105 - movements of his squadron, 67 - policy of, considered and analysed, 13-18 - refuses to drink a toast, 139 - report on Coronel battle, 52 - - Stoddart, Rear-Admiral and a rescued kinsman, 108 - commands British squadron, 159 - reinforcements from England for, 65 - succeeds Admiral Cradock, 60 - transfers his flag, 63 - - Sturdee, Vice-Admiral F. C. Doveton, 27 - a Baronetcy for, 191 - dispatch on battle of Falkland Islands, 178 _et seq._ - his strategic victory, 135 - in command of British squadron, 79, 80 - ordered to Gibraltar, 159 - - Submarines purchased by Canadian Government, 7 - - _Suffolk_ chases _Karlsruhe_, 8 - - _Sydney_ in action with _Emden_, 11 - - - Thompson, Lieut.-Com. W. A., promotion for, 192 - - _Titania_, enemy auxiliary cruiser, 6 - - Townsend, Stoker P.O. W. A., awarded D.S.M., 122, 191 - - Tsingtau, German base at, 4 - - Turner, Maj., commands Falkland Island Volunteers, 86 - - - Venning, Carpenter W. H., awarded D.S.C., 190 - - Verner, Lieut.-Com. R. H. C., promotion for, 192 - - - Walls, Carpenter T. A., awarded D.S.C., 190 - - Walton, P.O. M. J., a D.S.M. for, 191 - - Weeks, Engineer-Com. E. J., promotion for, 191 - - Wharton, Com., and sinking of _Nürnberg_, 133 - promotion for, 192 - - Wireless stations, German, 16 - - - PRINTED BY CASSELL & COMPANY, LIMITED, LA BELLE SAUVAGE, LONDON, E.C.4 - F20.519 - - - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] _Note._--This book was completed in May, 1917, but was withheld -from publication on account of the many omissions prescribed by the -Naval Censor. - -[2] The German Chancellor had publicly declared the intention to -capture the French colonies. - -[3] _See_ Map, p. 5. - -[4] _Carmania_, Cunard S.S. Co.--19,524 tons, 650 feet long, triple -screw turbines. - -_Cap Trafalgar_, Hamburg-Sud-Amerik S.S. Co.--18,710 tons, 590 feet -long, triple screw turbines. - -[5] According to "Brassey's Naval Annual." - -[6] German wireless system. - -[7] "Tales of the Great War" (Longmans). - -[8] "Blackwood's Magazine." - -[9] The _Seydlitz_--the German auxiliary that escaped--took in the -wireless signal announcing the victory and actually heard the firing -of the _Cornwall_ and the _Glasgow_ on her beam about four miles -off. She managed to escape under cover of the fog by steering to the -south, but it was a near thing. - -[10] Reporting sinking of three German ships. - - - - - TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE - - Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. - - A superscript is denoted by ^{x}; for example, 8^{th}. - - The format of time in the original text has been retained. For example, - 10.30 A.M. or 7.3 P.M. - - Gun caliber in the original text is of the form 9.1" or sometimes 9·1". - For consistency all calibers have been changed to the 9.1" (or - 9.1-inch) form. - - Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been - corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within - the text and consultation of external sources. - - Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text, - and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Battle of the Falkland Islands - Before and After - -Author: Henry Edmund Harvey Spencer-Cooper - -Release Date: October 21, 2015 [EBook #50265] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS *** - - - - -Produced by John Campbell and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - - -<div class="transnote"> -<p><strong>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE</strong></p> - -<p>The format of time in the original text has been retained. For example, -10.30 <span class="fs80">A.M.</span> or 7.3 <span class="fs80">P.M.</span></p> - -<p>Gun caliber in the original text is of the form 9.1" or sometimes 9·1". -For consistency all calibers have been changed to the 9.1" (or -9.1-inch) form.</p> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been -corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within -the text and consultation of external sources.</p> - -<p>More detail can be found at the <a href="#TN">end of the book.</a></p> -</div> - - -<p class="p4" /> -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> -<p class="p6" /> - - -<h1 class="no-brk">THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS</h1> - - -<div class="figcenter pg-brk"> -<img src="images/i004.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> -<span class="fs70"><i>Glasgow</i> -<i>Cornwall</i> -<i>Leipzig</i></span><br /> - -THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS, 8th DECEMBER, 1914<br /> - -The "Cornwall" engaging the "Leipzig" - -<div class="fs70"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr><td class="wd60"></td><td class="tdlx wd30"><em>From a</em></td></tr> -<tr><td></td><td class="tdlx"><em>Colour Drawing by</em></td></tr> -<tr><td></td><td class="tdlx"><em>Lieut.-Comm. H. T. Bennett, R.N.</em></td></tr> -</table></div> - -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="tpage"> -<p class="p4" /> - -<p class="xxxl lsp2">The Battle of the<br /> -Falkland Islands<br /> - -<span class="xxl">Before and After</span></p> - -<p class="large"><span class="small">By</span><br /> - -Commander H. Spencer-Cooper<br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p><em>With Coloured Frontispiece<br /> -and Ten Maps and Charts</em><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<p class="medium">CASSELL AND COMPANY, LTD<br /> -London, New York, Toronto and Melbourne<br /> -1919</p> - - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<p><br /><br /><br /> -<span class="medium antiqua">To the Memory</span><br /> - -<span class="small">of the</span><br /> - -<span class="large">Officers and Men</span><br /> - -<span class="medium">of the Royal Navy and the Royal Naval Reserve</span><br /> - -<span class="small">who so gallantly gave their lives in the actions<br /> -described in this book</span><br /><br /><br /> -</p> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS</h2> - - -<div class="center smcap wsp"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr><td class="tdc fvnormal bold" colspan="2">Part I.—Exploits off South America</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl xxs" colspan="2">CHAPTER</td><td class="tdr xxs">PAGE</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> 1.</td><td class="tdl">German Men-of-War in Foreign Seas</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> 2.</td><td class="tdl">The Policy of Admiral Count von Spee</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> 3.</td><td class="tdl">British Men-of-War off South America</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> 4.</td><td class="tdl">Life at Sea in 1914</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> 5.</td><td class="tdl">The Sinking of the "Cap Trafalgar"</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> 6.</td><td class="tdl">The Action off Coronel</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> 7.</td><td class="tdl">Concentration</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> 8.</td><td class="tdl">Possibilities and Probabilities</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc fvnormal bold" colspan="2">Part II.—The Battle of the Falklands</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> 9.</td><td class="tdl">Away South</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">10.</td><td class="tdl">Enemy in Sight</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">11.</td><td class="tdl">The Battle-Cruiser Action</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">12.</td><td class="tdl">The End of the "Leipzig"</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">13.</td><td class="tdl">The Sinking of the "Nürnberg"</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">14.</td><td class="tdl">Aftermath</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_134">134</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">15.</td><td class="tdl">The Psychology of the Sailor in Action</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">16.</td><td class="tdl">Von Spee's Aims and Hopes</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">17.</td><td class="tdl">The Parting of the Ways</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">18.</td><td class="tdl">The Last of the "Dresden"</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> <span class="pagenum fvnormal"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc fvnormal bold" colspan="2">Part III.—Official Dispatches</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">1.</td><td class="tdl">The Action of H.M.S. "Carmania"</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">2.</td><td class="tdl">The Action off Coronel by H.M.S. "Glasgow"</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_172">172</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">3.</td><td class="tdl">Report by Vice-Admiral Count von Spee</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_174">174</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">4.</td><td class="tdl">The Battle of the Falkland Islands</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_178">178</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">5.</td><td class="tdl">The Surrender of the "Dresden"</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_194">194</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc fvnormal bold" colspan="2">Appendix</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdl">A List of the Officers serving in the Actions Recorded</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdl">Index</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[ix]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="MAPS_AND_CHARTS" id="MAPS_AND_CHARTS"></a>MAPS AND CHARTS</h2> - - -<div class="center smcap wsp"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr xxs">PAGE</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl">The War Zone in Western Seas</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_6">5</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl">Chart of Course in "Carmania"—"Cap Trafalgar" Duel</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl">The Coronel Action: Position when Enemy Sighted</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl">The Coronel Action: Position at Sunset</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl">Chart of "Cornwall" Action <span class="fvnormal">(<em>Inset</em>)</span></td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl">Chart of Battle-Cruiser Action <span class="fvnormal">(<em>Inset</em>)</span></td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl">Stanley Harbour: Positions of Warships</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl">Battle of the Falklands: Positions at 1.20 p.m.</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl">Battle of the Falklands: Positions at 2.45 p.m.</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl">Duel between "Kent" and "Nürnberg"</td><td class="tdrv"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[x]</a></span><br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[xi]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION" id="INTRODUCTION"></a>INTRODUCTION</h2> - - -<p class="noindent">This plain, unvarnished account, so far as is known, is -the first attempt that has been made to link with the -description of the Falkland Islands battle, fought on -December 8th, 1914, the events leading up to that -engagement.</p> - -<p>In order to preserve accuracy as far as possible, -each phase presented has been read and approved by -officers who participated. The personal views expressed -on debatable subjects, such as strategy, are sure to -give rise to criticism, but it must be remembered that -at the time of writing the exact positions of the ships -engaged in overseas operations were not fully known, -even in the Service.</p> - -<p>The subject falls naturally into three divisions:</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Part I.</span> deals briefly with the movements of British -and German warships, and includes the duel fought by -the <i>Carmania</i>, and the action that took place off Coronel.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Part II.</span> describes the Falkland Islands battle itself, -and the subsequent fate of the German cruiser <i>Dresden</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Part III.</span> contains the official dispatches bearing on -these exploits.</p> - -<p>The words of Alfred Noyes have been referred to -frequently, because they are in so many respects pro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[xii]</a></span>phetic, -and also because of their influence in showing -that the spirit of Drake still inspires the British Navy -of to-day.</p> - -<p>The author takes this opportunity of expressing his -warmest thanks to those who have helped him in -collecting information and in the compilation of this -book.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p6" /> - -<h2><a name="Part_I" id="Part_I"></a><a href="#CONTENTS"><span class="smcap">Part I</span></a><br /> - -EXPLOITS OFF SOUTH AMERICA</h2> - -<p class="p6" /> - - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p6" /> -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verseq">"Meekly content and tamely stay-at-home</p> -<p class="verse">The sea-birds seemed that piped across the waves;</p> -<p class="verse">And Drake, bemused, leaned smiling to his friend</p> -<p class="verse">Doughty and said, 'Is it not strange to know</p> -<p class="verse">When we return, yon speckled herring-gulls</p> -<p class="verse">Will still be wheeling, dipping, flashing there?</p> -<p class="verse">We shall not find a fairer land afar</p> -<p class="verse">Than those thyme-scented hills we leave behind!</p> -<p class="verse">Soon the young lambs will bleat across the combes,</p> -<p class="verse">And breezes will bring puffs of hawthorn scent</p> -<p class="verse">Down Devon lanes; over the purple moors</p> -<p class="verse">Lav'rocks will carol; and on the village greens</p> -<p class="verse">Around the maypole, while the moon hangs low,</p> -<p class="verse">The boys and girls of England merrily swing</p> -<p class="verse">In country footing through the flowery dance.'"</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - -<p class="p6" /> - - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> - -<p class="pfs150 wsp lsp">THE BATTLE OF THE<br /> -FALKLAND ISLANDS</p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3 class="no-brk"><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER I</a><br /> - -<span class="small">GERMAN MEN-OF-WAR IN FOREIGN SEAS</span></h3> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>"I, my Lords, have in different countries seen much of the miseries -of war. I am, therefore, in my inmost soul, a man of peace. Yet -I would not, for the sake of any peace, however fortunate, consent to -sacrifice one jot of England's honour."—(<cite>Speech by Lord Nelson in the -House of Lords, November 16th, 1802.</cite>)</p></div> - - -<p class="noindent">We are now approaching the end of the third year of -this great war,<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> and most Englishmen, having had some -of the experience that war inevitably brings with it, -will agree that the words which Nelson spoke are as -true to-day as when they were uttered just over a century -ago. Furthermore, as time and the war go on, -the spirit of the whole British nation—be it man or -woman—is put to an ever-increasing test of endurance, -which is sustained and upheld by those two simple -words, "England's Honour." An old platitude, "Might -is Right," is constantly being quoted; but the nation -that reverses the order is bound to outlast the other -and win through to the desired goal. The justness -of the cause, then, is the secret of our strength, which -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>will not only endure but bring success to our arms in -the end.</p> - - -<p class="p2">When Great Britain plunged into this Armageddon -on August 4th, 1914, the only German squadron not -in European waters was stationed in the Western Pacific, -with its main base at Tsingtau. In addition there were -a few German light cruisers isolated in various parts of -the world, many of them being in proximity to British -squadrons, which would point to the fact that Germany -never really calculated on Great Britain throwing in -her lot on the opposite side.</p> - -<p>The recent troubles in Mexico accounted for the -presence of both British and German cruisers in those -waters, where they had been operating in conjunction -with one another in the most complete harmony. As -an instance, it might be mentioned that on August 2nd, -1914, one of our sloops was actually about to land a -guard for one of our Consulates at a Mexican port in -the boats belonging to a German light cruiser!</p> - -<p>A short description of some of the movements of -the German ships during the first few months of war -will suffice to show that their primary object was to -damage our overseas trade as much as possible. Further, -since it is the fashion nowadays to overrate Germany's -powers of organisation and skill, it will be interesting to -observe that in spite of the vulnerability of our worldwide -trade comparatively little was achieved.</p> - - -<p class="p2">The German squadron in China was under the command -of Vice-Admiral Count von Spee. The outbreak<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> -of war found him on a cruise in the Pacific, which ultimately -extended far beyond his expectations. The -two armoured cruisers <i>Scharnhorst</i>—in which Admiral -von Spee flew his flag—and <i>Gneisenau</i> left Nagasaki on -June 28th, 1914. Their movements southward are of -no particular interest until their arrival on July 7th -at the Truk or Rug Islands, in the Caroline group, -which then belonged to Germany. After a few days -they leisurely continued their cruise amongst the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> -islands of Polynesia. About the middle of the month the -light cruiser <i>Nürnberg</i> was hastily recalled from San -Francisco, and sailed on July 21st, joining von Spee's -squadron at Ponape (also one of the Caroline Islands), -where the three ships mobilised for war. On August 6th -they sailed for an unknown destination, taking with them -an auxiliary cruiser called the <i>Titania</i>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i019.jpg" alt="" /> -<p class="right xs">The Mappa Co. Ltd London</p> -<div class="caption">THE WAR ZONE IN WESTERN SEAS</div> -</div> - - -<p>Apparently they were somewhat short of provisions, -particularly of fresh meat and potatoes, for it was said -in an intercepted letter that their diet consisted mainly -of "spun yarn" (preserved meat).</p> - -<p>On August 22nd the <i>Nürnberg</i> was sent to Honolulu -to get papers and to send telegrams, rejoining the -squadron shortly afterwards. A day or two later she -was again detached, this time to Fanning Island, where -she destroyed the British cable station, cut the cable, -rejoining the squadron about September 7th, apparently -at Christmas Island. Hearing that hostile forces were -at Apia (Samoan Islands), von Spee sailed southward -only to find, on his arrival, that it was empty of -shipping.</p> - -<p>The squadron now proceeded eastward to the French -Society Islands to see what stores were to be found -there. Completing supplies of coal at Bora Bora Island, -it suddenly appeared off Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, -on September 22nd. A French gunboat lying in the -harbour was sunk by shell-fire, the town and forts were -subjected to a heavy bombardment, whilst the coal stores -were set on fire. Calling in later at the Marquesas Islands, -the German Admiral shaped his course eastward toward -Easter Island, which was reached on October 12th.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> - -<p>The light cruiser <i>Leipzig</i> sailed from Mazatlan, an -important town on the west coast of Mexico, on August -2nd. Ten days later she was reported off the entrance -to Juan de Fuca Straits, between Vancouver and the -mainland, but never ventured inside to attack the naval -dockyard of Esquimalt. When war broke out the -Canadian Government with great promptitude purchased -two submarines from an American firm at Seattle; this -was probably known to the Germans, and might account -for their unwillingness to risk an attack on a port that -was otherwise practically defenceless.</p> - -<p>The Canadian light cruiser <i>Rainbow</i>, together with -the British sloop <i>Algerine</i>, did excellent work on this -coast. The former, in particular, showed much zeal in -shadowing the <i>Leipzig</i>, though they never actually met.</p> - -<p>The <i>Leipzig</i> achieved absolutely nothing worthy of -note, although she remained on the west coast of America -for a long time. It was not till the middle of October -that she joined Admiral von Spee's squadron at Easter -Island, without having caused any damage to the -British Mercantile Marine.</p> - - -<p class="p2">The light cruiser <i>Dresden</i> was at St. Thomas, one -of the larger of the Virgin Islands group, West Indies. -She sailed on August 1st and proceeded straight to -Cape Horn, only staying her career to coal at various -places <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en route</i> where she was unlikely to be reported. -Crossing and re-crossing the trade route, she arrived -on September 5th at Orange Bay, which is a large uninhabited -natural harbour a few miles to the north-west -of Cape Horn. Here she was met by a collier,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> -and stayed eleven days making adjustments to her -engines. She evidently considered that she was now -free from danger—we had no cruisers here at this period—for -she continued her course into the Pacific, easing -down to a speed of 8½ knots, and keeping more in the -track of shipping. She met the German gunboat <i>Eber</i> -on September 19th, to the northward of Magellan, and -continued her way, apparently on the look out for -allied commerce, but only succeeded in sinking two -steamers before joining the flag of Admiral von Spee -at Easter Island on October 12th. Altogether she sank -three steamers and four sailing vessels, representing a -total value of just over £250,000.</p> - - -<p class="p2">The light cruiser <i>Karlsruhe</i>, the fastest and most -modern of the German ships on foreign service, was in -the Gulf of Mexico at the commencement of the war. -On her way to her sphere of operations in the neighbourhood -of Pernambuco she was sighted on August 6th, -whilst coaling at sea from the armed liner <i>Kronprinz -Wilhelm</i>, by the British cruiser <i>Suffolk</i>. Admiral Cradock, -who was then flying his flag in the <i>Suffolk</i>, immediately -gave chase to the <i>Karlsruhe</i>, the <i>Kronprinz Wilhelm</i> bolting -in the opposite direction. During the forenoon -Admiral Cradock called up by wireless the light cruiser -<i>Bristol</i>, which was in the vicinity, and, giving her the -position of the <i>Karlsruhe</i>, ordered her to intercept the -enemy. The <i>Karlsruhe</i> was kept in sight by the <i>Suffolk</i> -for several hours, but was never within gun-range, and -finally escaped from her by superior speed. It was a -beautiful moonlight evening when the <i>Bristol</i> sighted her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> -quarry at 8 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, and a quarter of an hour later opened -fire, which was returned a few moments later by the -<i>Karlsruhe</i>, but it was too dark for either ship to see -the results of their shooting. All the enemy's shots fell -short, so that the <i>Bristol</i> incurred no damage. Both -ships went on firing for fifty-five minutes, by which -time the German had drawn out of range. Admiral -Cradock signalled during the action, "Stick to it—I am -coming"; all this time the <i>Suffolk</i> was doing her best -to catch up, but never succeeded in reaching the scene -of the first naval action in the world-war. The German -disappeared in the darkness, and was never seen again -by our warships.</p> - -<p>In her subsequent raids on British commerce along -the South Atlantic trade routes the <i>Karlsruhe</i> was, on -the whole, successful, until she met a sudden and inglorious -end off Central America. Her fate was for a -long time shrouded in mystery, the first clue being -some of her wreckage, which was found washed up on -the shores of the island of St. Vincent in the West Indies. -Some of her survivors eventually found their way back -to the Fatherland and reported that she had foundered -with 260 officers and men—due to an internal explosion -on November 4th, 1914, in latitude 10° 07′ N., longitude -55° 25′ W. (<em>See</em> <a href="#Page_6">Map p. 5.</a>)</p> - -<p>In all she sank seventeen ships, representing a value -of £1,622,000.</p> - - -<p class="p2">There remain three German armed merchant cruisers -that claim our attention on account of their operations -off South America. The <i>Cap Trafalgar</i> only existed for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> -a month before being sunk by the armed Cunard liner -<i>Carmania</i>. A description of the fight is given in a -subsequent chapter.</p> - -<p>The <i>Prinz Eitel Friedrich</i> was more directly under the -orders of Admiral von Spee, and acted in conjunction -with his squadron in the Pacific until the battle of the -Falkland Islands, when she operated on her own account -against our trade with South America. She achieved -some measure of success during the few months that -she was free, and captured ten ships altogether, several -of which, however, were sailing vessels. Early in March -she arrived at Newport News in the United States with a -number of prisoners on board, who had been taken from -these prizes. She was badly in need of refit; her -engines required repairs, and the Germans fondly imagined -that they might escape internment. On hearing -that one of her victims was an American vessel, public -indignation was hotly aroused and but little sympathy -was shown for her wants. Her days of marauding were -brought to an abrupt termination, for the Americans -resolutely interned her.</p> - -<p>Lastly, there was the <i>Kronprinz Wilhelm</i>, which, as -we have seen, was in company with the <i>Karlsruhe</i> when -the latter was sighted and chased by the <i>Suffolk</i> only -two days after war was declared. She was commanded -by one of the officers of the <i>Karlsruhe</i>, and worked -under her orders in the Atlantic. In fact, the German -cruiser transferred two of her Q.F. guns to the armed -merchantman, and they were mounted on her forecastle. -She was skilful in avoiding our cruisers and literally -fed upon her captures, being fortunate in obtaining<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> -coal with fair frequency. In the course of eight -months the <i>Kronprinz Wilhelm</i> captured and destroyed -fifteen British or French ships, four of which were -sailing vessels. It will be realised how small was -the toll of our ships sailing these seas, especially -when it is recollected that the main object of the Germans -at this time was to make war on our maritime -trade. Finally, sickness broke out on board and there -were several cases of beriberi; moreover, the ship -leaked and was in want of repairs, so on April 11th -she also steamed into Newport News and was interned.</p> - -<p>That the Germans did not approach the results they -hoped for in attacking our commerce was in a large -measure due to the unceasing activity of our cruisers, -who forced the German ships to be continually on the -move to fresh hunting grounds. Thus, although many -of them escaped capture or destruction for some time, -they were perpetually being disturbed and hindered -in their work of depredation.</p> - - -<p class="p2">The exploits of the light cruisers <i>Emden</i> and <i>Königsberg</i> -are outside the scope of this book, but the following -brief summary may be of interest.</p> - -<p>Sailing from Tsingtau on August 5th, with four -colliers, the <i>Emden</i> apparently proceeded to cruise in -the neighbourhood of Vladivostock, where she captured -a Russian auxiliary cruiser and one or two merchant -ships, before going south to make history in the Bay -of Bengal. She was eventually brought to book off -the Cocos Islands on November 9th, 1914, by the Australian -light cruiser <i>Sydney</i>, in a very gallant action<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> -which lasted over an hour and a half, when she ran -herself ashore in a sinking condition on North Keeling -Island. She sank seventeen ships all told, representing -a total value of £2,211,000.</p> - -<p>The <i>Königsberg</i>, at the commencement of hostilities, -was lying at Dar-es-Salaam, the capital of what was -formerly German East Africa. She sank the <i>Pegasus</i>, -a light cruiser only two-thirds of her size and of much -inferior armament, at Zanzibar on September 20th, but -only succeeded in sinking one or two steamers afterwards. -She was eventually discovered hiding in the -Rufiji Delta in German East Africa, towards the end of -October, 1914, where she was kept blocked up by our -ships for nearly nine months. Finally, on July 11th, -1915, she was destroyed by gunfire by the monitors -<i>Severn</i> and <i>Mersey</i>, who went up the river—the banks -on both sides being entrenched—and reduced her to -a hopeless wreck where she lay, some fourteen miles -from the sea.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER II</a><br /> - -<span class="small">THE POLICY OF ADMIRAL COUNT VON SPEE</span></h3> - - -<p class="noindent">It is clearly impossible to state with any exactitude -the motives which governed von Spee's policy; but, -in briefly reviewing the results, a shrewd idea of the -reasons which led him to certain conclusions may be -formed. Also, it will assist the reader to a conclusion -on the merits and demerits of the strategy adopted, and -will help him to follow more easily the reasons for some -of the movements of our own ships described in the -next chapter.</p> - -<p>That Admiral von Spee did not return to Tsingtau -at the outbreak of hostilities appears significant, since -he was by no means inferior to our squadron, and wished -to mobilise his ships. He, however, sent the <i>Emden</i> -there with dispatches and instructions to the colliers -about meeting him after she had escorted them to sea. -Japan, it will be remembered, did not declare war till -August 23rd, 1914, and therefore could scarcely have -come into his earlier calculations. His action in continuing -his cruise in the Southern Pacific, where he -was handy and ready to strike at the French colonies<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> -at the psychological moment of the outbreak of hostilities, -gives the impression that he did not consider England's -intervention probable.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> -<p>Previous to the war, the <i>Leipzig</i> and <i>Nürnberg</i> had -been detached to the West Coast of America, and it -appears likely that von Spee was influenced in his decision -to remain at large in the Pacific by this fact, as, before -this dispersal of his squadron, he would have been distinctly -superior to the British Fleet in the China Station -at that time. Great care was taken by him to keep all -his movements secret, and he appears to have avoided -making many wireless signals.</p> - -<p>The decision of the British Government to proceed -with operations against the German colonies in the -Southern Pacific must have had a determining effect -on German policy; this decision was made at the very -outset and allowed the enemy no time to make preparations -to counter it. The value of the patriotism -and loyal co-operation of the Dominions in building up -their own Navy in peace time was now clearly demonstrated, -Australia being the first of our Dominions to -embark on this policy.</p> - -<p>The German China squadron was inferior in strength -to our ships in Australian waters, and could not afford -to risk encountering the powerful battle-cruiser <i>Australia</i> -with her eight 12-inch guns; consequently, von -Spee was compelled to abandon the many colonies in -Polynesia to their fate. Finally, the advent of Japan -into the conflict left him little choice but to make his -way to the eastward, since not to do so was to court -almost certain destruction, while to move west and -conceal his whereabouts was an impossibility. That -von Spee felt his position to be precarious, and had difficulty -in making up his mind what to do, is shown by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> -the slow and indecisive movement of his squadron at -first.</p> - -<p>The movements of the German light cruisers lead to -the conclusion that they must have received orders to -scatter so as to destroy our trade in various spheres. -The <i>Leipzig</i> apparently patrolled the western side of -North America, whilst the <i>Karlsruhe</i> took the South -Atlantic, and so on.</p> - -<p>Why the <i>Dresden</i> should have steamed over 6,000 -miles to the Pacific instead of assisting the <i>Karlsruhe</i> -is hard to explain, unless she had direct orders from -the German Admiralty. She could always have joined -von Spee later.</p> - -<p>With the exception of the <i>Emden</i>, who operated with -success in the Bay of Bengal, and the <i>Karlsruhe</i>, whose -area of operations was along the junction of the South -Atlantic and the West Indian trade routes, none of them -succeeded in accomplishing a fraction of the damage -that might reasonably have been expected at a time -when our merchantmen were not organised for war and -business was "as usual." It cannot be denied that the -<i>Emden's</i> raids wholly disorganised the trade along the -east coast of India. The local moneylenders—who are -the bankers to the peasants—abandoned the coast completely, -trade nearly came to a standstill, and the damage -done took months to recover. In this case the effects -could by no means be measured by an armchair calculation -of the tonnage sunk by the <i>Emden</i> in pounds, -shillings and pence.</p> - -<p>The main anxiety of the German Admiral lay in the -continuance of his supplies, which could only be assured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> -by careful organisation. This was rendered comparatively -easy in South America, where every port teemed -with Germans; the wheels of communication, through -the agency of shore wireless stations, were well oiled by -German money, and there were numerous German merchantmen, -fitted with wireless, ready to hand to be used -as supply ships or colliers.</p> - -<p>It was thus of paramount importance that the German -Squadron should be rounded up and annihilated -before it could become a serious menace to our trade -and that of our Allies. The other remaining light -cruisers of the enemy, who were operating singly, could -be dealt with more easily, since our ships could afford -to separate in order to search for them, thus rendering -it only a matter of time before they were destroyed.</p> - -<p>What was the object, then, of the German Admiral? -This was the all-important question that occupied the -thoughts of all our naval officers in foreign parts. On -the assumption that he would come eastwards, there -appeared to be few choices open to him beyond the -following:</p> - -<p>(1) To bombard the seaports of our colonies on the -west coast of Africa and to attack weakly defended -but by no means valueless naval stations (such as -St. Helena), at the same time operating against British -and French expeditions going by sea against German -colonies.</p> - -<p>(2) To go to South Africa, destroy the weak British -squadron at the Cape, and hang up Botha's expedition -by supporting a rising against us in the South African -Dominions.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> - -<p>(3) To endeavour to make his way home to Germany.</p> - -<p>(4) To operate in the North Atlantic.</p> - -<p>(5) To harass our trade with South America.</p> - -<p>Both the first and second appeared quite feasible, -but they had the twofold disadvantage of involving -actions nearer England and of very possibly restricting -the enemy a good deal in his movements; there -are few harbours on this coast, and his every movement -would become known in a region where we held the -monopoly in methods of communication. Consequently, -any success here was bound to be more or less short-lived. -On the other hand, matters were undoubtedly -very critical in these parts. De la Rey, when he was -shot, was actually on his way to raise the Vierkleur -at Potchefstroom, and any striking naval success which -it would have taken us three weeks to deal with at -the very least, might have just set the balance against -us at this time in the minds of the waverers. Moreover, -it would not have been difficult to ensure supplies from -the German colonies.</p> - -<p>The third may be dismissed as being extremely -improbable at the outset, for it is difficult to run a -blockade with a number of ships, and, for the enemy, -it would too much have resembled thrusting his head -into the lion's jaws. Besides, he could be of far greater -service to his country in roaming the seas and in continuing -to be a thorn in our side as long as possible.</p> - -<p>The fourth will scarcely bear examination; cut off -from all bases, he could hardly hope to escape early -destruction.</p> - -<p>The fifth seemed by far the most favourable to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> -hopes, as being likely to yield a richer harvest, and, if -successful, might paralyse our enormous trade with -South America, upon which we were so dependent.</p> - -<p>German influence was predominant as well as unscrupulous -along the Brazilian coasts, which would render -it easy to maintain supplies. To evoke sympathy amongst -the smaller Republics would also come within his horizon. -Finally, he could have had little idea of our strength in -South Africa; whereas information gleaned from Valparaiso -(which von Spee evidently considered reliable) -as to the precise extent of our limited naval resources -then on the east coast of South America, must have -proved a deciding factor in determining his strategy.</p> - -<p>Whichever course were adopted, it was practically -certain that the German Admiral would move eastwards, -either through the Straits of Magellan or, more -probably, round the Horn to avoid having his whereabouts -reported. That this occurred to the minds of -our naval authorities before the action off Coronel took -place is practically certain, but it is to be regretted that -reinforcements to Admiral Cradock's squadron operating -in South American waters were not sent there in time -to prevent that disaster.</p> - -<p>This, then, in brief, was the problem that presented -itself to our commanders after the battle of Coronel -took place, and no doubt influenced them in the choice -of the Falkland Islands as a base, its geographical position -making it almost ideal in the event of any move -in that direction on the part of the Germans.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER III</a><br /> - -<span class="small">BRITISH MEN-OF-WAR OFF SOUTH AMERICA</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verse14">"If England hold</p> -<p class="verse">The sea, she holds the hundred thousand gates</p> -<p class="verse">That open to futurity. She holds</p> -<p class="verse">The highways of all ages. Argosies</p> -<p class="verse">Of unknown glory set their sails this day</p> -<p class="verse">For England out of ports beyond the stars.</p> -<p class="verse">Ay, on the sacred seas we ne'er shall know</p> -<p class="verse">They hoist their sails this day by peaceful quays,</p> -<p class="verse">Great gleaming wharves i' the perfect City of God,</p> -<p class="verse">If she but claims her heritage."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">Before attempting to give a description of the battle -of the Falkland Islands, it is necessary to review very -briefly the movements and dispositions of our ships, -as well as the events preceding the battle, which include -both the duel between the armed merchant cruiser <i>Carmania</i> -and <i>Cap Trafalgar</i> and the action fought off -Coronel on the coast of <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'Chili'">Chile</ins> by Admiral Cradock.</p> - -<p>Our naval forces were scattered in comparatively -small units all over the world when war broke out. -Ships in various squadrons were separated from one -another by great distances, and, with the exception -of our Mediterranean Fleet, we possessed no squadron -in any part of the globe equal in strength to that of -von Spee.</p> - -<p>Attention is directed to the positions of Easter -Island, where the Germans had last been reported,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> -Valparaiso, Coronel, Magellan Straits, Staten Island, -the Falkland Islands, Buenos Ayres, Montevideo, Rio de -Janeiro, Pernambuco, and the Island of Trinidad off -the east coast of South America, since they occur continually -in the course of this narrative.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> - -<p>In the early part of 1914 Rear-Admiral Sir Christopher -Cradock, K.C.V.O., C.B., flying his flag in the -<i>Suffolk</i>, was in command of the fourth cruiser squadron, -which was then doing some very useful work in the -Gulf of Mexico. On August 2nd he was at Kingston, -Jamaica, and received information that the <i>Good Hope</i> -was on her way out to become his flagship, so he sailed -northwards to meet her. On the way he sighted and -gave chase to the <i>Karlsruhe</i> on August 6th, as has -been related. The <i>Suffolk</i> and the <i>Good Hope</i> met at -sea ten days later, and the Admiral went on board the -latter immediately and hoisted his flag.</p> - -<p>Turning south, he went to Bermuda, called in at -St. Lucia on August 23rd, and thence proceeded along -the north coast of South America on his way to take -up the command of a newly forming squadron of British -ships patrolling the trade routes and protecting the -merchant shipping in South American waters. At St. -Lucia Admiral Cradock would probably have learned of -the sailing of von Spee's squadron from Ponape on -August 6th, and this accounts for his haste in making -south in order to meet and form his ships together.</p> - -<p>The squadron was gradually augmented as time -went on, and in the months of September and October, -1914, consisted of the flagship <i>Good Hope</i> (Captain Philip -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>Francklin), <i>Canopus</i> (Captain Heathcoat Grant), <i>Monmouth</i> -(Captain Frank Brandt), <i>Cornwall</i> (Captain W. M. -Ellerton), <i>Glasgow</i> (Captain John Luce), <i>Bristol</i> (Captain -B. H. Fanshawe), and the armed merchant cruisers -<i>Otranto</i> (Captain H. McI. Edwards), <i>Macedonia</i> (Captain -B. S. Evans), and <i>Orama</i> (Captain J. R. Segrave).</p> - - -<p class="p2">No news was obtainable as to the whereabouts of -the German squadron stationed in the Pacific, which -consisted of the <i>Scharnhorst</i>, <i>Gneisenau</i>, <i>Emden</i>, <i>Nürnberg</i>, -and <i>Leipzig</i>, except that it was known that the -two latter had been operating on the east side of the -Pacific, and that the <i>Emden</i> was in the Bay of Bengal. -The vaguest rumours, all contradicting one another, -were continually being circulated, in which it is more -than likely that German agents had a large share.</p> - -<p>Admiral Cradock proceeded south in the middle -of September to watch the Straits of Magellan, and -to patrol between there and the River Plate, as he -doubtless hoped to prevent the <i>Karlsruhe</i> and <i>Dresden</i>—which, -when last heard of, were in South American -waters—from attempting to effect a junction with their -main squadron. With him were the <i>Monmouth</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, -and the armed Orient liner <i>Otranto</i>, in addition to his -own ship the <i>Good Hope</i>, which, together with his -colliers, had their first base in the Falkland Islands.</p> - -<p>On hearing of the appearance of the Germans off -Papeete and of the bombardment of the French colony -there on September 22nd, it was apparently considered -expedient to proceed to the west coast of South America -in order to intercept the enemy. Accordingly, early<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> -in October the <i>Monmouth</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, and <i>Otranto</i> went -round to the Pacific, diligently searching out the many -inlets and harbours <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en route</i>, and arrived at Valparaiso -on October 15th, but only stayed a part of one day -in order to get stores and provisions. They then went -back southwards to meet the <i>Good Hope</i> and <i>Canopus</i>, -vainly hoping to fall in with the <i>Leipzig</i> or <i>Dresden</i> -on the way. The <i>Good Hope</i> reached the <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'Chilian'">Chilean</ins> coast -on October 29th, and all ships filled up with coal; the -<i>Canopus</i> was due very shortly, and actually sighted -our ships steaming off as she arrived.</p> - -<p>In order to carry out a thorough and effective examination -of the innumerable inlets that abound amongst -the channels of Tierra del Fuego, in addition to the bays -and harbours on both coasts of South America, it became -necessary to divide up this squadron into separate -units. To expedite matters, colliers were sent to -meet our ships, so that valuable time should not be lost -in returning to the base at the Falkland Islands. The -first fine day was seized to fill up with coal, care always -being taken to keep outside the three-mile territorial -limit.</p> - -<p>It must have been a trying and anxious time for -both officers and men, while pursuing their quest, never -knowing what force might suddenly be disclosed in -opening out one of these harbours. From the weather -usually experienced in these parts some idea may be -formed of the discomforts. An officer in the <i>Glasgow</i>, -writing of this period, says: "It blew, snowed, rained, -hailed, and sleeted as hard as it is possible to do these -things. I thought the ship would dive under alto<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>gether -at times. It was a short sea, and very high, -and doesn't suit this ship a bit. The <i>Monmouth</i> was -rather worse, if anything, though not quite so wet. -We were rolling 35 degrees, and quite useless for fighting -purposes. The ship was practically a submarine."</p> - -<p>Imagine, too, the position of the <i>Otranto</i>, searching -these waters by herself, without the least hope of being -able to fight on level terms with one of the enemy's -light-cruisers. The words of one of her officers sum up -the situation: "We finally got past caring what might -happen," he said; "what with the strain, the weather, -and the extreme cold, we longed to find something -and to have it out, one way or the other."</p> - -<p>When the depredations of the <i>Karlsruhe</i> became -more numerous, the Admiralty dispatched ships—as -could best be spared from watching other trade routes—to -reinforce Admiral Cradock's command. Thus, -what may be termed a second squadron was formed, -consisting of the <i>Canopus</i>, <i>Cornwall</i>, <i>Bristol</i>, the armed -P. & O. liner <i>Macedonia</i>, and the armed Orient liner -<i>Orama</i>. This latter squadron carried out a fruitless -search during September and October for the ever -elusive <i>Karlsruhe</i>, but, so far as is known, did not succeed -in getting near her, for she was never actually -sighted. In the absence of orders from Admiral Cradock, -the duties of Senior Naval Officer of this northern -squadron frequently involved the consideration of -matters of no little consequence. These duties primarily -devolved upon the shoulders of Captain Fanshawe of -the <i>Bristol</i>, who was succeeded on the arrival of the -<i>Canopus</i> by Captain Heathcoat Grant. As the poor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> -state of the engines of the <i>Canopus</i> did not enable her -to steam at any speed, she remained at the base and -directed operations, forming a valuable link with her -wireless. Orders, however, were received from Admiral -Cradock which necessitated her sailing on October 10th -in order to join his southern squadron, so that Captain -Fanshawe was again left in command.</p> - -<p>On October 24th the <i>Carnarvon</i> (Captain H. L. d'E. -Skipwith) arrived, flying the flag of Rear-Admiral A. P. -Stoddart, who, though acting under the orders of Admiral -Cradock, now took charge of the sweeping operations -necessitated by our quest. Admiral Stoddart had previously -been in command of the ships operating along -our trade routes near the Cape Verde Islands, where -the <i>Carnarvon</i> had not long before made a valuable -capture, the German storeship <i>Professor Woermann</i>, -filled with coal and ammunition.</p> - -<p>The comparatively large number of men-of-war -mentioned is accounted for by the fact that at this -time the <i>Karlsruhe</i> began to make her presence felt -by sinking more merchant ships, which caused no little -apprehension amongst the mercantile communities in -all the ports on the north and east coasts of South -America, Brazilian firms at this period refusing to ship -their goods in British bottoms, although some British -vessels were lying in harbour awaiting cargoes. The -German ship's activities were mainly confined to the -neighbourhood of St. Paul's Rocks, Pernambuco, and -the Equator.</p> - -<p>It is not easy to put clearly the disposition of the -ships acting under Admiral Cradock at this time, nor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> -to give an adequate idea of the many disadvantages -with which he had to contend. The difficulties of -communication on the east coast of South America between -his two squadrons were very great, on account -of the long distances between them (often some thousands -of miles and always greater than the range of our -wireless). The only method found feasible was to send -messages in code by means of passing British merchantmen—usually -the Royal Mail liners. The inevitable -result of this was that it was frequently impossible for -Admiral Cradock to keep in touch with his northern -squadron, and important matters of policy had thus to -be decided on the spot, the Admiral being informed later.</p> - - -<p class="p2">On the rare occasions that our ships visited Brazilian -ports, which were crowded with German shipping, the -crews of these ships, having nothing better to do, would -come and pull round our cruisers—in all probability -cursing us heartily the while—much to the interest -and amusement of our men. These visits could only -take place at the most once every three months, when -the opportunity of getting a good square meal at a civilised -restaurant was hailed with delight by those officers -who were off duty.</p> - -<p>Our coaling base in these waters was admirably -selected. There was sufficient anchorage for a large -number of ships four or five miles from any land, but -protected from anything but a heavy swell or sea by -surrounding ledges of coral awash at low water. Sometimes -colliers got slightly damaged by bumping against -our ships when there was a swell, but in other respects<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> -it suited its purpose excellently. The Brazilians sent -a destroyer to investigate once or twice, but could find -nothing to arouse their susceptibilities, for our ships -were always well outside the three-mile limit. Our sole -amusement was fishing, frequently for sharks.</p> - - -<p class="p2">Towards the latter part of August, the armed merchant -cruiser <i>Carmania</i> (Captain Noel Grant) was sent -out to join Admiral Cradock's squadron with coal, provisions, -and a large quantity of frozen meat, which was -sadly needed. She was ordered by him to assist the -<i>Cornwall</i> in watching Pernambuco on September 11th, -as it was thought that the German storeship <i>Patagonia</i> -was going to put to sea on September 11th to join the -<i>Karlsruhe</i>. On her way south she got orders to search -Trinidad Island in the South Atlantic to find out whether -the Germans were making use of it as a coaling base, -and there fell in with the German armed liner <i>Cap -Trafalgar</i>, which she sank in a very gallant action that -is described in a subsequent chapter.</p> - -<p>The armed merchant cruiser <i>Edinburgh Castle</i> (Captain -W. R. Napier) was sent out from England with -drafts of seamen and boys, as well as provisions and -stores for our men-of-war in these waters. On her -arrival at the base on October 12th, she was detained -on service to assist in the sweep that had been organised -to search for the <i>Karlsruhe</i>. Some of us have pleasant -recollections of excellent games of deck hockey played -on the spacious promenade deck during her all too short -stay with us.</p> - -<p>The <i>Defence</i> (Captain E. La T. Leatham) touched at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> -the base to coal on October 27th, being on her way -south to join Admiral Cradock's southern command. -She had to coal in bad weather, and perforated the -collier's side in doing so, but succeeded in completing -with coal in the minimum possible time under difficult -conditions. Without loss of time she proceeded to -Montevideo, but never got any farther, as it was there -that the news of the Coronel disaster first reached her. -Admiral Cradock hoped to find von Spee before the -German light-cruisers <i>Dresden</i> and <i>Leipzig</i> joined the -main squadron; but he also was most anxious to wait -for the <i>Defence</i>. She would have made a very powerful -addition to his squadron, and it seems a thousand pities -that it was not possible to effect this junction before he -quitted the eastern shores of South America for the -Pacific.</p> - -<p>The <i>Defence</i> was very unlucky, and had a great deal -of hard work without any kudos; not till Admiral -Sturdee's arrival did she leave to join the <i>Minotaur</i> -on the Cape of Good Hope station, and the very day -she arrived there got the news of the Falkland Islands -battle! Having covered 23,000 miles in two and a -half months, the disappointment at having missed that -fight was, of course, intense. It is sad to think that -few of her gallant crew are alive to-day, as she was afterwards -sunk in the battle of Jutland.</p> - - -<p class="p2">The <i>Invincible</i>, flagship of Vice-Admiral F. C. Doveton -Sturdee (Captain P. H. Beamish), the <i>Inflexible</i> -(Captain R. F. Phillimore, C.B., M.V.O.), and the <i>Kent</i> -(Captain J. D. Allen) enter the scene of operations later.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER IV</a><br /> - -<span class="small">LIFE AT SEA IN 1914</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verseq">"A seaman, smiling, swaggered out of the inn,</p> -<p class="verse">Swinging in one brown hand a gleaming cage</p> -<p class="verse">Wherein a big green parrot chattered and clung</p> -<p class="verse">Fluttering against the wires."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">A short digression may perhaps be permitted, if it -can portray the long days, when for months at a time -little occurs to break the monotony of sea life. The -reader may also experience the charitable feeling that, -at the expense of his patience, the sailor is indulging -in the "grouse" that proverbially is supposed to be so -dear to him.</p> - -<p>Of necessity, work on board ship in wartime must -be largely a matter of routine; and, though varied as -much as possible, it tends to relapse into "the trivial -round, the common task." All day and all night men -man the guns ready to blaze off at any instant, extra -look-outs are posted, and there are officers and men -in the control positions. The ship's company is usually -organised into three watches at night, which take turns -in relieving one another every four hours.</p> - -<p>After sunrise the increased visibility gives ample -warning of any possible attack. The messdecks, guns, -and ship generally are cleaned before breakfast, while -the forenoon soon passes in perfecting the guns' crews<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> -and controls, and in physical drill. After dinner at -noon and a smoke, everyone follows the old custom of -the sea, and has a caulk (a sleep)—a custom originated -in the days of sailing ships who were at sea for -long periods at a time, and watch and watch (i.e. one -watch on and one off) had to be maintained both day -and night. The men lie about the decks, too tired -to feel the want of either mattresses or pillows. The -first dog watch (4–6 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>) is usually given up to recreation -until sunset, when it is time to go to night defence -stations. Day in and day out, this programme is seldom -varied except to stop and examine a merchant ship -now and again.</p> - -<p>Every ship met with on the high seas is boarded -for the examination of its passengers and cargo, an -undertaking often attended by some difficulty on a -dark night. On approaching, it is customary to signal -the ship to stop; if this is not obeyed at once, a blank -round is fired as a warning; should this be disregarded -a shotted round is fired across her bows, but it is seldom -necessary to resort to this measure. At night these -excursions have a strange, unreal effect, and our boarding -officer used to say that when climbing up a merchantman's -side in rough weather he felt like some -character in a pirate story. Getting out of a boat, -as it is tossing alongside, on to a rope ladder, is by -no means an easy job, especially if the officer is inclined -to be portly. The searchlight, too, turned full -on to the ship, blinding the scared passengers who come -tumbling up, frequently imagining they have been -torpedoed, adds to the mysterious effect produced, whilst<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> -the sudden appearance of the boarding officer in his -night kit suggests a visit from Father Neptune. But -any idea of comedy is soon shattered by the grumpy -voice of the captain who has been turned out from his -beauty sleep, or by the vehement objections of a lady -or her husband to their cabin being searched. As a -matter of fact, we were always met with the most unfailing -courtesy, and the boat's crew was often loaded -with presents of cigarettes or even chocolates, besides -parcels of newspapers hastily made up and thrown down -at the last moment.</p> - -<p>Off a neutral coast the food problem is an everlasting -difficulty, and as soon as the canteen runs out and -tinned stores cannot be replenished, the menu resolves -itself into a more or less fixed item of salt beef ("salt -horse") or salt pork with pea soup. The old saying, -"Feed the brute, if a man is to be kept happy," has -proved itself true, but is one which at sea is often extraordinarily -hard to follow, especially when it is impossible -to get such luxuries as eggs, potatoes, and fresh meat. -If flour runs out, the ship's biscuit ("hard tack"), -which often requires a heavy blow to break it, forms -but a poor substitute for bread; although it is quite -good eating, a little goes a long way. The joy with -which the advent of an armed liner is heralded by the -officers cannot well be exaggerated; the stewards from -all ships lose no time in trying to get all they can, and -the memory of the first excellent meal is not easily -forgotten.</p> - -<p>The ever-recurring delight of coaling ship is looked -forward to directly anchorage is reached. Coal-dust<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> -then penetrates everywhere, even to the food, and after -a couple of hours it seems impossible for the ship ever -to be clean again. Nearly every officer and man on -board, including the chaplain and paymasters, join in -the work, which continues day and night, as a rule, -until finished. If this takes more than twenty-four -hours there is the awful trial of sleeping, clothes and -all, covered in grime, for hammocks have to be foregone, -else they would be quite unfit for further use. The -men wear any clothes they like. In the tropics it is -a warm job working in the holds, and clothes are somewhat -scanty. A very popular article is a bashed-in -bowler hat, frequently worn with white shorts, and a -football jersey! There is, generally, a wag amongst -the men who keeps them cheery and happy, even during -a tropical rain storm. His powers of mimicking, often -ranging from politicians to gunnery instructors, bring -forth rounds of applause, and all the time he'll dig out -like a Trojan.</p> - -<p>The sailor is a cheery bird, and seldom lets an opportunity -of amusement escape. On one occasion, when -lying at anchor in the tropics, someone suggested fishing; -after the first fish had been caught many rods and lines -were soon going. A would-be wit enlivened matters -by tying an empty soda-water bottle on to a rather -excitable man's line while he was away, which met with -great success on the owner crying out, "I've got a real -big 'un here" as he carefully played it to the delight -of everyone. Shark fishing was a favourite sport, and -three were caught and landed in one afternoon; one of -them had three small sharks inside it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> - -<p>The band (very few ships had the good fortune to -possess one) plays from 4.30 to 5.30 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, when Jack -disports himself in Mazurkas and d'Alberts, and dances -uncommonly well before a very critical audience. Some -men are always busy at their sewing machines when -off duty, making clothes for their messmates; this they -call "jewing"; others are barbers, or bootmakers, and -they make quite a good thing out of it. Now that -masts and sails are things of the past, substitutes in -the way of exercise are very necessary, particularly -when living on salt food. Boxing is greatly encouraged, -and if competitions are organised, men go into strict -training and the greatest keenness prevails. A canvas -salt-water bath is usually rigged, and is in constant -demand with the younger men. The officers congregate -in flannels on the quarter-deck playing quoits, -deck tennis, or cricket; some go in for doing Swedish -exercises, Müller, or club swinging, and, to finish up -with, a party is formed to run round the decks.</p> - -<p>The Admiralty are extraordinarily good about dispatching -mails to our ships, but sudden and unexpected -movements often make it impossible to receive them -with any regularity. When war broke out everyone -wondered how their folk at home would manage, whether -money and food would be easily obtainable. In our own -case we were moved from our original sphere of operations, -and did not get our first mail till October 19th, -over eleven weeks after leaving England, and many -other ships may have fared even worse. Again, our -Christmas mail of 1914 was not received till six months -afterwards, having followed us to the Falkland Islands,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> -then back home, out again round the Cape of Good -Hope, finally arriving at the Dardanelles. On this -occasion one of the men had a pound of mutton and -a plum pudding sent him by his wife; it can easily -be imagined with what delight he welcomed these -delicacies, which had been through the tropics several -times, as did those others whose parcels were anywhere -near his in the mail bag. It may appear a paltry -thing to those who get their daily post regularly, but -the arrival of a mail at sea is a very real joy, even to -those who get but few letters. The newspapers are -eagerly devoured, and events, whose bare occurrence -may have only become known through meagre wireless -communiqués, are at length made comprehensible.</p> - -<p>Darkening ship at sunset is uncomfortable, more particularly -in the tropics, when the heat on the messdecks -becomes unbearable from lack of air. However, -this is now much improved by supplying wind-scoops -for the scuttles, fitted with baffles to prevent the light -from showing outboard. Everyone sleeps on deck who -can, risking the pleasures of being trodden upon in the -dark, or of being drenched by a sudden tropical shower, -when the scrum of men hastily snatching up their hammocks -and running for the hatches equals that of any -crowd at a football match. On moonless nights little -diversions are constantly occurring. A certain officer, -perfectly sober, on one occasion walked over the edge -of the boat-deck into space, and then was surprised -to find that he was hurt.</p> - -<p>The hardships and anxieties of the life are probably -overrated by people ashore. The very routine helps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> -to make the sailor accustomed to the strange and unnatural -conditions, nearly all of which have their humorous -side. As is the way of the world, we on the coast -of South America all envied those in the Grand Fleet -at this time, in modern ships fitted with refrigerating -rooms and plenty of good fresh food; and they, no -doubt, willingly would have changed places with us, -being sick to death of the uneventful life, cold, rough -weather, and constant submarine strain from which -we were fortunately immune. Events took such a -shape a few months later that those of us who were -fortunate enough to be in the battle of the Falkland -Islands would not have been elsewhere for all the world.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER V</a><br /> - -<span class="small">THE SINKING OF THE "CAP TRAFALGAR"</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verseq">"When, with a roar that seemed to buffet the heavens</p> -<p class="verse">And rip the heart of the sea out, one red flame</p> -<p class="verse">Blackened with fragments, the great galleon burst</p> -<p class="verse">Asunder! All the startled waves were strewn</p> -<p class="verse">With wreckage; and Drake laughed: 'My lads, we have diced</p> -<p class="verse">With death to-day, and won!'"</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">It has already been mentioned that the <i>Carmania</i> was -ordered to search the Brazilian island of Trinidad (not -to be confused with the British Island of the same -name), which lies in the South Atlantic about 600 miles -to the eastward of South America, and in about the -same latitude as Rio de Janeiro. It was uninhabited -at this time, and seemed a likely place for the Germans -to use as a temporary coaling base; they have never -had any compunction about breaking the laws of -neutrality if it suited their purpose.</p> - -<p>The following narrative is taken from the official -report, supplemented by an account written by the -author two days after the action from a description -given him by the officers of H.M.S. <i>Carmania</i>.</p> - -<p>Land was sighted on the morning of September 14th, -1914. A moderate breeze was blowing from the north-east, -but it was a lovely day, with a clear sky and the -sun shining. Shortly after 11 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the masts of a vessel -were observed, and on approaching nearer the <i>Carmania</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> -made out three steamers, apparently at anchor -in a small bay that lies to the south-west of the island. -One of these was a large liner, but the others were clearly -colliers and had their derricks topped; they were -probably working when they sighted us, and they immediately -separated and made off in different directions -before the whole of their hulls could be distinguished.</p> - -<p>The large vessel was apparently a liner about equal -in size,<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> having two funnels which were painted to -resemble those of a Union Castle liner. After running -away for a while, the larger steamer, which turned out -to be the <i>Cap Trafalgar</i> (though this was not known -for certain till weeks afterwards), altered course to -starboard and headed more in our direction. She was -then steering about south at what appeared to be full -speed, while the <i>Carmania</i> was steaming 16 knots on a -sou'-westerly course.</p> - -<p>There could no longer be any doubt that she meant -to fight, and the duel now ensued that has been so -happily described by a gifted naval writer, the late -Fred T. Jane, as "the Battle of the Haystacks." To -my idea, it appears almost a replica of the frigate actions -of bygone days, and will probably go down in history -as a parallel to the engagement fought between the -<i>Chesapeake</i> and <i>Shannon</i>. For gallantry, pluck and -determination it certainly bears comparison with many -of these actions of the past.</p> - -<p>About noon she fired a single shot across the enemy's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -bows at a range of 8,500 yards, whereupon he immediately -opened fire from his after-gun on the starboard side. -This was quickly followed on both sides by salvoes (all -guns firing nearly simultaneously as soon as their sights -came on to the target), so matters at once became -lively.</p> - -<p>Curiously enough, the enemy's first few shots fell -short, <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'ricochetting'">ricocheting</ins> over, and then, as the range decreased, -they went clean over the hull, in consequence of which -our rigging, masts, funnels, derricks, and ventilators all -suffered, though the ship's side near the waterline—the -principal anxiety—was so far intact. Some of the -<i>Carmania's</i> first shots, which were fired at a range of -7,500 yards, were seen to take effect, and she continued -to score hits afterwards with moderate frequency. The -port battery was engaging his starboard guns at this -period, so that he was on her port hand, and a reference -to the plan will show that she was ahead on bearing. -The range was rapidly decreasing since they were -both on converging courses, but unfortunately the -German ship had the speed of her, for the Cunarder -could only do 16 knots, due largely to a lack of vacuum -in the condensers. As far as could be judged the <i>Cap -Trafalgar</i> was steaming between 17 and 18 knots. (<em>See</em> -Diagram, <a href="#Page_39">p. 39.</a>)</p> - -<p>At 4,500 yards, two of our broadsides were seen to -hit all along the waterline. As the range decreased to -4,000 yards the shot from the enemy's pom-poms (machine -guns), fired with great rapidity, began to fall like -hail on and all round the ship; this induced Captain -Grant to alter course away with promptitude, thus open<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>ing -out the range and bringing the starboard battery into -play. The port 4.7-inch guns—they were all over twenty -years old—were by this time wellnigh red-hot. That -the enemy did not apprehend this manœuvre was demonstrated -by his erratic fire at this moment, when the -Britisher was enabled to bring five guns into action to -his four through being able to use both the stern guns. -It was now that the German suffered most heavily, the -havoc wrought in such a short time being very noticeable. -He then turned away, which brought the two ships -nearly stern on to one another; two of his steam pipes -were cut by shell, the steam rising into the sky, he was -well on fire forward, and had a list to starboard.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i053.jpg" alt="" /> -<p class="right xs">The Mappa Co. Ltd London</p> -<div class="caption">(Diagram of action between 'CARMANIA' and 'CAP TRAFALGAR'.)</div> -</div> - -<p>One of his shells, however, had passed through the -captain's cabin under the fore bridge, and although -it did not burst it started a fire, which rapidly became -worse; unhappily no water was available to put it out, -for the fire main was shot through, while the chemical -fire extinguishers proved of little use. All water had to -be carried by hand, but luckily the fire was prevented -from spreading over the ship by a steel bulkhead, together -with an ordinary fire-proof swing door, which -was afterwards found to be all charred on one side. -Nevertheless it got a firm hold of the deck above, which -broke into flame, so the fore-bridge had to be abandoned. -The ship had now to be steered from the stern, -and all orders had to be shouted down by megaphone -both to the engine rooms and to this new steering position -in the bowels of the ship, which was connected -up and in operation in fifty-seven seconds! To reduce -the effect of the fire the vessel was kept before the wind,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> -which necessitated turning right round again, so that -the fight resolved itself into a chase.</p> - -<p>The action was continued by the gun-layers, the -fire-control position being untenable due to the fire, -so each gun had to be worked and fired independently -under the direction of its own officer. Among the -ammunition supply parties there had been several -casualties and the officers, finding it impossible to -"spot" the fall of the shell, owing to the flashes from -the enemy's guns obscuring their view from so low an -elevation, lent a hand in carrying the ammunition from -the hoists to the guns. In these big liners the upper -deck, where the guns are mounted, is approximately -70 feet above the holds, whence the ammunition has -to be hoisted and then carried by hand to the guns—a -particularly arduous task.</p> - -<p>Crossing, as it were, the enemy was at this time well -on the starboard bow, but firing was continued until -the distance was over 9,000 yards, the maximum range -of the <i>Carmania's</i> guns. Owing to his superior speed and -a slight divergence between the courses, the distance -was gradually increasing all the time, and at 1.30 he -was out of range. His list had now visibly increased, -and his speed began to diminish, probably on account -of the inrush of water through his coaling ports. It -was surmised that there had not been sufficient time -to secure these properly, for he had evidently been -coaling at the time she arrived upon the scene.</p> - -<p>Towards the end the <i>Cap Trafalgar's</i> fire had begun -to slacken, though one of her guns continued to fire -to the last, in spite of the fact that she was out of range.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> -It became patent that she was doomed, and her every -movement was eagerly watched through field-glasses -for some minutes by those not occupied in quenching -the fire. Suddenly the great vessel heeled right over; -her funnels being almost parallel to the surface of the -sea, looked just like two gigantic cannon as they pointed -towards the <i>Carmania</i>; an instant later she went down -by the bows, the stern remaining poised in mid-air for -a few seconds, and then she abruptly disappeared out of -sight at 1.50 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, the duel having lasted an hour and -forty minutes.</p> - -<p>There were no two opinions about the good fight -she had put up, and all were loud in their praise of the -gallant conduct of the Germans.</p> - -<p>One of the enemy's colliers was observed approaching -this scene of desolation in order to pick up survivors, -some of whom had got away from the sinking ship in -her boats. The collier had been flying the United States -ensign, evidently as a ruse, in the hope that the <i>Carmania</i> -might be induced to let her pass without stopping her -for examination. It was, however, impossible to interfere -with her owing to the fire that was still raging -in the fore part of the ship. This kept our men at work -trying to get it under, and necessitated keeping the ship -running before the wind, the direction of which did not -permit of approaching the spot in order to attempt to -pick up survivors.</p> - -<p>Smoke was now seen away to the northward, and -the signalman reported that he thought he could make -out the funnels of a cruiser. As the <i>Cap Trafalgar</i>, -before sinking, had been in wireless communication<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> -with some German vessel, it was apprehended that one -might be coming to her assistance. As the <i>Carmania</i> -was totally unfit for further action, it was deemed advisable -to avoid the risk of another engagement, so she -steamed off at full speed in a southerly direction.</p> - -<p>As soon as the collier and all that remained of the -wreckage of the <i>Cap Trafalgar</i> was lost to view the -gallant Cunarder was turned to the north-westward in -the direction of the anchorage. She was unseaworthy, -nearly all her navigational instruments and all the communications -to the engines were destroyed, making the -steering and navigation of the ship difficult and uncertain. -When wireless touch was established, the <i>Cornwall</i> -was called up and asked to meet and escort her in. -But as she had only just started coaling she asked the -<i>Bristol</i> to take her place. The next day the <i>Bristol</i>, -which was in the vicinity, took the <i>Carmania</i> along until -relieved the same night by the <i>Cornwall</i>, which escorted -her on to the base, where temporary repairs were effected.</p> - -<p>One of the enemy's shells was found to have passed -through three thicknesses of steel plating without exploding, -but in spite of this it set fire to some bedding -which caused the conflagration under the fore bridge. -Where projectiles had struck solid iron, such as a winch, -splinters of the latter were to be seen scattered in all -directions. The ship was hit seventy-nine times, causing -no fewer than 304 holes.</p> - -<p>There were 38 casualties. Five men were killed outright, -4 subsequently died from wounds, 5 were seriously -wounded and 22 wounded—most of the latter were -only slightly injured. All the casualties occurred on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> -deck, chiefly among the guns' crews and ammunition -supply parties. No one below was touched, but a -third of those employed on deck were hit.</p> - - -<p class="p2">The following remarks may be of interest, and are -taken from the author's letters, written on September -16th, after having been shown over the <i>Carmania</i>:</p> - -<p>"When I went on board this morning, I was greatly -struck by the few fatal casualties considering the number -of holes here, there, and everywhere. Not a single -part of the upper deck could be crossed without finding -holes. A remarkable fact was that only one officer, -Lieutenant Murray, R.N.R., was hurt or damaged in -any way, although the officers were in the most exposed -positions, and the enemy's point of aim appeared to -be the fore bridge.</p> - -<p>"They had only three active service ratings on -board; some of the gunlayers were old men, pensioners -from the Navy.</p> - -<p>"One of the senior officers told me that the first -few rounds made him feel 'a bit dickey,' but that after -that he took no notice of the bigger shells, though, -curiously enough, he thoroughly objected to the smaller -<ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'poms-poms'">pom-poms</ins> which were 'most irritating.' He added -that the men fought magnificently, and that the firemen -worked 'like hell.' As flames and smoke from the -fire on deck descended to the stokeholds by the ventilators -instead of cool air, the states of things down below may -easily be imagined.</p> - -<p>"One chronometer was found to be going in spite -of the wooden box which contained it having been burnt.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p> - -<p>"The deeds of heroism were many.</p> - -<p>"I liked the story of the little bugler boy, who had -no more to do once the action had commenced, so he -stood by one of the guns refusing to go under cover. -As the gun fired he shouted: 'That's one for the -blighters!' And again: 'There's another for the -beggars—go it!' smacking the gunshield the while with -his hand.</p> - -<p>"Again one of the gunlayers, who lost his hand -and also one leg during the engagement, insisted upon -being held up when the German ship sank, so as to be -able to cheer. I talked to him, and he waggled his -stump at me quite cheerily and said, 'It was well worth -losing an arm for.'</p> - -<p>"It is good to feel that the spirit of our forefathers -is still active in time of need."</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER VI</a><br /> - -<span class="small">THE ACTION OFF CORONEL</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verse12">"Then let him roll</p> -<p class="verse">His galleons round the little Golden Hynde,</p> -<p class="verse">Bring her to bay, if he can, on the high seas,</p> -<p class="verse">Ring us about with thousands, we'll not yield,</p> -<p class="verse">I and my Golden Hynde, we will go down,</p> -<p class="verse">With flag still flying on the last stump left us</p> -<p class="verse">And all my cannon spitting the fires</p> -<p class="verse">Of everlasting scorn into his face."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">The wanderings of the German squadron in the Pacific -have been briefly traced as far as Easter Island, where -it arrived on October 12th, 1914, and found the <i>Dresden</i>. -The <i>Leipzig</i>, which had been chased from pillar to post -by British and Japanese cruisers, and succeeded in -eluding them, joined up shortly after to the relief of the -German Admiral.</p> - -<p>The contractor at Easter Island, an Englishman -named Edwards, who supplied the Germans with fresh -meat and vegetables, was a ranch-owner, and had no -idea that war had even been declared. One of his men, -in taking off provisions to the ships, discovered this -amazing fact, which had carefully been kept secret, -and informed his master. The account was not settled -in cash, but by a bill made payable at Valparaiso. The -German squadron sailed for Mas-a-Fuera a week later, -so the ranch-owner took the earliest opportunity of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> -sending in his bill to Valparaiso, where it was duly -honoured, vastly to his astonishment and relief.</p> - -<p>For the reasons already adduced, it seemed almost -certain that Admiral von Spee would make his way -round South America. That there was a possibility of -his descending upon Vancouver and attacking the -naval dockyard of Esquimalt is acknowledged, but it -was so remote as to be scarcely worthy of serious consideration. -The three Japanese cruisers, <i>Idzuma</i>, <i>Hizen</i>, -and <i>Asama</i>, were understood to be in the eastern Pacific -at this time, and this was probably known to the German -Admiral. The risk, too, that he must inevitably run in -attacking a locality known to possess submarines was -quite unjustifiable; besides, he had little to gain and -everything to lose through the delay that must ensue -from adopting such a policy.</p> - -<p>The vessels engaged in the action off Coronel, with -their armament, etc., were:<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p> - -<div class="center small"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr><td class="tdl pad3 wd25"><em>Names</em></td><td class="tdr wd20"><em>Tonnage</em></td><td class="tdr wd20"><em>Armament</em></td><td class="tdr wd15"><em>Speed</em></td><td class="tdc"><em>Completion</em></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Good Hope</i></td><td class="tdr">14,100</td><td class="tdr">2—9.2"</td><td class="tdr">23.5</td><td class="tdc">1902</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr padr1">16—6"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Monmouth</i></td><td class="tdr">9,800</td><td class="tdr padr1">14—6"</td><td class="tdr">23.3</td><td class="tdc">1903</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Glasgow</i></td><td class="tdr">4,800</td><td class="tdr padr1">2—6"</td><td class="tdr">25.8</td><td class="tdc">1910</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr padr1">10—4"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Otranto</i> (armed liner)</td><td class="tdr">12,000<br />gross</td><td class="tdr">8—4.7"</td><td class="tdr padr1">18</td><td class="tdc">1909</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="5">Speed of squadron 18 knots.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Names</em></td><td class="tdr"><em>Tonnage</em></td><td class="tdr"><em>Armament</em></td><td class="tdr"><em>Speed</em></td><td class="tdc"><em>Completion</em></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Scharnhorst</i></td><td class="tdr">11,420</td><td class="tdr">8—8.2"</td><td class="tdr">22.5</td><td class="tdc">1908</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr">6—5.9"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr">20—3.4"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> - <i>Gneisenau</i></td><td class="tdr">11,420</td><td class="tdr">8—8.2"</td><td class="tdr">23.8</td><td class="tdc">1908</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr">6—5.9"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr">20—3.4"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Leipzig</i></td><td class="tdr">3,200</td><td class="tdr">10—4.1"</td><td class="tdr padr1">23</td><td class="tdc">1906</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Dresden</i></td><td class="tdr">3,544</td><td class="tdr">12—4.1"</td><td class="tdr padr1">27</td><td class="tdc">1908</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr">4—2.1"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Nürnberg</i></td><td class="tdr">3,396</td><td class="tdr">10—4.1"</td><td class="tdr">23.5</td><td class="tdc">1908</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr">8—2.1"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="5">Speed of squadron 22.5 knots.</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p>It will be noticed that our two armoured cruisers were -respectively six and five years older than the Germans'. -Our armament was much inferior in size, number, and -quality on account of the later designs of the enemy's -artillery. The range of the German 4.1-inch guns was -<em>nearly equal to that of our 6-inch guns</em>. But perhaps the -greatest point in favour of the enemy was the fact that -Cradock's ships, with the exception of the <i>Glasgow</i>, -were only commissioned at the outbreak of war, and -had had such continuous steaming that no really good -opportunity for gunnery practices or for testing the -organisation thoroughly had been possible, whilst von -Spee's had been in commission for over two years -and had highly trained crews, accustomed to their ships.</p> - -<p>The following account has been compiled from personal -information received from officers who took part, -from letters that have appeared in the Press, from a -translation that has been published of Admiral von -Spee's official report, and from the official report made -by Captain Luce of the <i>Glasgow</i>.</p> - -<p>Admiral Cradock, as we have seen, joined the remainder -of his little squadron with the exception of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> -the <i>Canopus</i> off the coast of Chile on October 29th. The -latter was following at her best speed. The squadron -proceeded northwards, whilst the <i>Glasgow</i> was detached -to Coronel to send telegrams, a rendezvous being fixed -for her to rejoin at 1 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> on November 1st.</p> - -<p>No authentic news of the movements of the Germans -was available at this time; in fact, the last time that -von Spee's squadron had been definitely heard of was -when it appeared off Papeete and bombarded the town -toward the end of September. That the enemy might -be encountered at any moment was of course fully -realised, but it was hoped that either the <i>Dresden</i> and -<i>Leipzig</i> or the main squadron might be brought to -action separately, before they were able to join forces. -Time was everything if this was to be brought about, -so Admiral Cradock pushed on without delay. The -anxiety to obtain news of a reliable character may be -imagined, but only the vaguest of rumours, one contradicting -the other, were forthcoming. Reports showed -that the German merchant shipping in the neighbourhood -were exhibiting unwonted signs of energy in loading -coal and stores, but this gave no certain indication -of the proximity of the entire squadron.</p> - -<p>Rejoining the British squadron at sea on November -1st, the <i>Glasgow</i> communicated with the <i>Good Hope</i>. -Our ships had recently been hearing Telefunken<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> -signals on their wireless, which was proof that one -or more enemy warships were close at hand. About -2 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, therefore, the Admiral signalled the squadron -to spread on a line bearing N.E. by E. from the <i>Good Hope</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> -which steered N.W. by N. at 10 knots. Ships -were ordered to open to a distance of fifteen miles apart -at a speed of 15 knots, the <i>Monmouth</i> being nearest -to the flagship, the <i>Otranto</i> next, and then the <i>Glasgow</i>, -which was thus nearest the coast.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i063.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption">DIAGRAM I. (Enemy sighted) 4.20 p.m.</div> -</div> - -<p>There was not sufficient time to execute this manœuvre, -and when smoke was suddenly sighted at 4.20 -<span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> to the eastward of the <i>Otranto</i> and <i>Glasgow</i>, these -two ships were still close together and about four miles -from the <i>Monmouth</i>. The <i>Glasgow</i> went ahead to investigate -and made out three German warships, which -at once turned towards her. The Admiral was over -twenty miles, distant and out of sight, and had to be -informed as soon as possible, so the <i>Glasgow</i> returned at -full speed, warning him by wireless, which the Germans -endeavoured to jam, that the enemy was in sight.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> - -<p>The squadron reformed at full speed on the flagship, -<em>who had altered course to the southward</em>, and by -5.47 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> had got into single line-ahead in the order: -<i>Good Hope</i>, <i>Monmouth</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, and <i>Otranto</i>. The -enemy, in similar formation, was about twelve miles -off.</p> - -<p>For the better understanding of the movements -which follow, it may be stated that the ideal of a naval -artillerist is a good target—that is, a clear and well -defined object which is plainly visible through the -telescopic gunsights; the wind in the right direction, -relative to the engaged side, so that smoke does not -blow across the guns, and no sudden alterations -of course, to throw out calculations. The tactics of -a modern naval action are in a large measure based -on these ideals, at any rate according to the view of -the gunnery specialist.</p> - -<p>It is evident that it was Admiral Cradock's intention -to close in and force action at short range as quickly -as possible, in order that the enemy might be handicapped -by the rays of the lowering sun, which would -have been behind our ships, rendering them a very -poor target for the Germans as the squadrons drew -abeam of one another. He therefore altered course -inwards towards the enemy, but von Spee was either -too wary or too wise, for he says in his report that -he turned away to a southerly course after 5.35, thus -declining action, which the superior speed of his squadron -enabled him to do at his pleasure. The wind was south -(right ahead), and it was blowing very fresh, so that -a heavy head sea was encountered, which made all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> -ships—especially the light-cruisers—pitch and roll considerably. -It seems very doubtful whether the <i>Good -Hope</i> and <i>Monmouth</i> were able to use their main deck -guns, and it is certain that they could not have been -of any value. This would mean that these two ships -could only fire two 9.2-inch and ten 6-inch guns on -the broadside between them, instead of their whole -armament of two 9.2-inch and seventeen 6-inch guns.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i065.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption">DIAGRAM II 6.40 p.m.</div> -</div> - -<p>There was little daylight left when Admiral Cradock -tried to close the Germans, hoping that they would -accept his challenge in view of their superior strength.</p> - -<p>At 6.18 Admiral Cradock increased speed to 17 knots, -making a wireless message to the <i>Canopus</i>, "I am about -to attack enemy now." Both squadrons were now on -parallel courses approximately, steering south, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> -about 7½ miles apart. A second light cruiser joined the -German line about this period; according to von Spee's -report the <i>Scharnhorst</i> was leading, followed by the -<i>Gneisenau</i>, <i>Leipzig</i>, and <i>Dresden</i>.</p> - -<p>As the sun sank below the horizon (about 6.50 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>) -the conditions of light became reversed to our complete -disadvantage; our ships were now lit up by the -glow of the sunset, the enemy being gradually enshrouded -in a misty haze as the light waned. Admiral Cradock's -last hope of averting defeat must have vanished as he -watched the enemy turning away; at the best he could -only expect to damage and thus delay the enemy, while -it was impossible to withdraw. He had no choice but -to hold on and do his best, trusting in Providence to -aid him. In judging what follows it should be kept -in mind that in the declining light even the outlines -of the enemy's ships rapidly became obliterated, making -it quite impossible to see the fall of our shots in -order to correct the range on the gunsights; on the -other hand, our ships showed up sharply against the -western horizon and still provided good targets for -the German gunners. Von Spee in his report says -his "guns' crews on the middle decks were never able -to see the sterns of their opponents, and only occasionally -their bows." This certainly implies that the upper -deck gunners could see quite well, whilst we have information -from Captain Luce's report that our ships -were unable to see the enemy early in the action, and -were firing at the flashes of his guns.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, as soon as the sun disappeared, von -Spee lost no time in approaching our squadron, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -opened fire at 7.4 at a range of 12,000 yards. Our ships -at once followed suit with the exception of the <i>Otranto</i>, -whose old guns did not admit of her competing against -men-of-war at this distance. The German Admiral -apparently endeavoured to maintain this range, so as -to reap the full advantage of his newer and heavier -armament, for the two 9.2-inch guns in the <i>Good Hope</i> -were the only ones in the whole of our squadron that -were effective at this distance with the possible exception -of the two modern 6-inch guns in the <i>Glasgow</i>. -Von Spee had, of course, calculated this out, and took -care not to close until our armoured cruisers were <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">hors -de combat</i>.</p> - -<p>The Germans soon found the range, their fire proving -very accurate, which was to be expected in view of the -reputation of the <i>Scharnhorst</i> and <i>Gneisenau</i> for good -shooting—the former had won the gold medal for the -best average. These armoured cruisers concentrated -their fire entirely on our two leading ships, doing considerable -execution. In addition, they had a great -stroke of luck, for in the first ten minutes of the engagement -a shell struck the fore turret of the <i>Good -Hope</i>, putting that 9.2-inch out of action. The <i>Monmouth</i> -was apparently hit several times in rapid succession, -for she was forced to haul out of the line to -the westward, and her forecastle was seen to be burning -furiously, but she continued to return the enemy's -fire valiantly. This manœuvre caused her to drop astern, -and compelled the <i>Glasgow</i>, who now followed on after -the <i>Good Hope</i>, to ease speed to avoid getting into the -zone of fire intended for the <i>Monmouth</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was now growing dark, but this did not deter -both squadrons from continuing to blaze away as hard -as they could; in fact, the fight was at its height; the -German projectiles were falling all round and about -our ships, causing several fires which lit them up with -a ghostly hue. The heavy artillery of the enemy was -doing great damage, and it was evident that both the -<i>Good Hope</i> and <i>Monmouth</i> were in a bad way; the -former sheered over unsteadily towards the Germans, -returning their fire spasmodically, whilst the latter had -a slight list and from her erratic movements gave the -impression that her steering arrangements had been -damaged. The results of our shooting could not be -distinguished with accuracy, though von Spee mentions -that the <i>Scharnhorst</i> found a 6-inch shell in one of her -storerooms, which had penetrated the side and caused -a deal of havoc below but did not burst, and also that -one funnel was hit. The <i>Gneisenau</i> had two men -wounded, and sustained slight damage.</p> - -<p>At 7.50 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> a sight of the most appalling splendour -arrested everyone, as if spellbound, in his tussle with -death. An enormous sheet of flame suddenly burst -from the <i>Good Hope</i>, lighting up the whole heavens -for miles around. This was accompanied by the noise -of a terrific explosion, which hurled up wreckage and -sparks at least a couple of hundred feet in the air from -her after funnels. A lucky shot had penetrated one of -her magazines. "It reminded me of Vesuvius in eruption," -said a seaman in describing this spectacle. It was -now pitch dark, making it impossible for the opposing -vessels to distinguish one another. The <i>Good Hope</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> -was never heard to fire her guns again, and could not -have long survived such a terrible explosion, though -no one saw her founder.</p> - -<p>The moon had risen about 6.30 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> and was now -well up, but it was too overcast to see much. According -to von Spee the squadrons had closed in to about -5,400 yards, which caused him to sheer off, fearing -torpedo attack. It seems certain that although firing -was continued it could not have been effective, for -three minutes after the <i>Good Hope</i> blew up the Germans -ceased fire altogether. Shortly afterwards von Spee -ordered the <i>Leipzig</i>, <i>Dresden</i>, and <i>Nürnberg</i>—the last-named -having joined the squadron during the action—to -make a torpedo attack.</p> - -<p>The <i>Monmouth</i> ceased firing just before the explosion -on board the <i>Good Hope</i>, and was then steering -roughly N.W. It was clear she was on her last legs, -as her list had increased and she was down by the bows. -She now suddenly altered course to the N.E. in the -direction of the oncoming enemy. Captain Luce was -senior naval officer, being senior to Captain Brandt, -of the <i>Monmouth</i>. He saw the Germans approaching -and signalled the <i>Monmouth</i> at 8.30, "Enemy following -us," but received no reply. Clearly there was no -alternative left him but to save his ship, if he was not -to make a needless sacrifice of his men, as it was obvious -that he could be of no further assistance to his doomed -consort. In addition, it was essential that the <i>Canopus</i> -should be warned in time to avert a further calamity, -a task not so simple as it sounds, for the Germans <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'we jamming'">were -jamming</ins> our wireless messages. It is said that when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -last seen the gallant <i>Monmouth</i> turned and made straight -for the enemy in a heroic attempt to ram one of their -ships. Von Spee reports that the <i>Nürnberg</i> sank the -<i>Monmouth</i> at 9.28 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> by bombardment at point-blank -range; this accounts for the seventy-five flashes -of gunfire as well as the play of the beams of a search-light, -which were observed by the <i>Glasgow</i> after leaving -the scene of action. It must have been brutal work.</p> - -<p>Thus perished Admiral Cradock together with 1,600 -gallant officers and men. In fairness to the Germans -it should be stated that our own officers considered it -too rough for boats to be lowered with any safety.</p> - -<p>The <i>Glasgow</i> had been subjected to the combined -fire of the <i>Leipzig</i> and <i>Dresden</i>, whose gunnery was -fortunately not very effective owing to the long range -maintained between the two squadrons before the -light failed. That she had withstood this combined -onslaught for fifty-two minutes (von Spee's report) was -remarkable, but that she had suffered no material damage -was little short of a miracle. Her casualties amounted -to four men slightly wounded. She was hit five times, -on or near the water line, but not in vital places. The -protection afforded by the coal in her bunkers saved her -on three occasions, as otherwise in the nasty sea running -at the time she would have found herself in a very precarious -position. Of the remaining two hits, one penetrated -the deck but did not explode, while the other -wrecked the captain's pantry and cabin. There was one -large hole, which luckily did not prevent her eluding her -pursuers at high speed by steering out to the W.N.W., -and thence in a wide circle to the southward to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> -Magellan Straits, finally arriving at Port Stanley in the -Falkland Islands.</p> - -<p>At the outset of the engagement the <i>Good Hope</i> -made a signal down the line to the <i>Otranto</i>, the only -words received being, "Leaving <i>Otranto</i>." The latter, -therefore, hauled out to endeavour to get this signal -direct from the flagship, but as the <i>Good Hope</i> had been -badly hit, nothing further was received. As projectiles -were falling all round her, and it was realised that the -<i>Otranto</i>, being a large ship, would be used by the enemy -as a rangefinder to enable him to calculate the distance -of the <i>Glasgow</i>, she hauled out still farther to upset the -accuracy of his gun-fire. The enemy proceeded to carry -this method of ranging into effect; the first salvo passed -over the <i>Otranto's</i> bridge, the second missed the bows by -50 yards, the third fell 150 yards astern, while others -which followed fell, some over, some short. By this time -she had worked out of the line about 1,200 yards, so -turned to the same course, as far as could be judged, -as the remainder of the squadron. She was now out -of range. The <i>Otranto</i> ran the gauntlet of the enemy's -most successfully, since she emerged from this -storm of shell quite unscathed, but it must have been -touch and go. Moreover—and hardest of all—she had -to submit to this treatment without being in a position -to retaliate. After the flagship blew up, nothing was -seen of the <i>Monmouth</i>; subsequently the <i>Glasgow</i> was -reported crossing her stern. Seeing that she could be -of no assistance, the <i>Otranto</i> dodged her opponents -by straining full speed to the westward for 200 miles, -and thence to the southward. Rounding Cape Horn,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> -she passed between the Falklands and the mainland -and arrived at Montevideo. Both she and the <i>Glasgow</i> -must have accounted themselves most fortunate in -escaping safely from this unequal contest.</p> - -<p>The <i>Canopus</i>, which had been steaming northward -with two colliers, intercepted a wireless message from -the <i>Glasgow</i> to the <i>Good Hope</i> reporting the enemy in -sight. She immediately increased to her full speed, -dispatching the colliers to Juan Fernandez, and proceeded -on her course northward in the hope that she -would arrive in time to engage the enemy. About -9 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> she received a signal from the <i>Glasgow</i> that it -was feared the <i>Good Hope</i> and <i>Monmouth</i> had been -sunk, and that the squadron was scattered. Seeing -the hopelessness of continuing on her course, the <i>Canopus</i> -turned round, picked up her colliers, and made for the -Magellan Straits via Smyth's Channel, the successful -navigation of which reflects great credit, since she was -probably the first battleship ever to make use of it. -By this means she succeeded in reaching Port Stanley -without molestation, although the German ships were -constantly in close proximity.</p> - -<p>Admiral Cradock appears to have had definite orders -to prevent the enemy coming round to the east coast -of America. The <i>Canopus</i> was only 120 miles away -when he met the enemy. But had the Admiral waited -for her the Germans might have slipped past him during -the night, and, moreover, her slow speed would have -seriously hampered the mobility of his squadron. Speaking -of Admiral Cradock, Sir Henry Newbolt<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> says,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> -"He had asked for reinforcements, and the Admiralty -had sent him what they thought sufficient. It was -not for him to hold back."</p> - -<p>The advantages of speed and modern guns of superior -range were perhaps the outstanding features of the -Coronel action. It was not the vain sacrifice which at -first sight it might appear to be, as it probably saved -our ships operating on the east coast of South America -from a similar fate.</p> - -<p>Admiral Cradock carried out unflinchingly his search -for a force which he knew would almost certainly be -superior to his own. His unhesitating acceptance of -the action and the gallantry of the fight uphold the -finest traditions of the Royal Navy, and will always -be recalled by it with pride. Surely, before God and -man, such deeds of heroism go far to mitigate the infamy -of war.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verse12">"At set of sun,</p> -<p class="verse">Even as below the sea-line the broad disc</p> -<p class="verse">Sank like a red-hot cannon-ball through surf</p> -<p class="verse">Of seething molten lead, the <i>Santa Maria</i>,</p> -<p class="verse">Uttering one cry that split the heart of heaven,</p> -<p class="verse">Went down with all hands, roaring into the dark."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small"><span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER VII</a><br /> - -<span class="small">CONCENTRATION</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verseq">"And Drake growled, ...</p> -<p class="verse10">... 'So, lest they are not too slow</p> -<p class="verse">To catch us, clear the decks. God, I would like</p> -<p class="verse">To fight them!'"</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">Several disquieting wireless messages were received -by the British warships on the east coast of South -America, giving garbled and unreliable accounts of -the Coronel action. It was not till November 5th -that a statement which appeared to be fairly authoritative, -in spite of its German origin, was received from -Valparaiso. It said that the <i>Monmouth</i> was sunk and -that the <i>Good Hope</i> had probably shared her fate; no -mention was made of the <i>Canopus</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, or <i>Otranto</i>.</p> - -<p>The command in these waters now devolved upon -<ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'Rear Admiral'">Rear-Admiral</ins> Stoddart (flying his flag in the <i>Carnarvon</i>), -who was still busily engaged in the search for the <i>Karlsruhe</i>. -His ships had been operating over a wide area -extending from the neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro -to the northward of St. Paul's Rocks and the Rocas, -and thence to the westward along the north coast of -South America. This otherwise fruitless search achieved -one notable result in compelling the <i>Karlsruhe</i> to abandon -her system of obtaining supplies through German -storeships coming from Pernambuco, as that port was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> -kept under rigid observation. She was thus forced to -leave the trade route between Great Britain and South -America for longer periods in order to meet her consort, -the armed liner <i>Kronprinz Wilhelm</i>, who now -became a link between her and her sources of supply -in Central America. There was, in consequence, a -marked falling off at this period in the number of her -captures.</p> - -<p>Assuming that the worst had happened, and that -the German squadron was now on its way round to -the east coast, it became imperative to unite our remaining -ships into one squadron as quickly as possible. -It was obvious that with the Australian and Japanese -ships behind them, the Germans could not afford to -linger where they were; moreover, they had learned -at Valparaiso that we had no naval force of any preponderance -with which to oppose them. Flushed with -their recent victory, it seemed probable that if they -were not much damaged they would most likely -hasten their movements in the hope of meeting our -ships before we had had time to unite or to gather -reinforcements.</p> - -<p>The German squadron would not be able to separate -with any safety once we had succeeded in joining together -our scattered forces, so that the damage they -might do to our commerce would be thereby reduced -to a minimum.</p> - -<p>For these reasons it will be seen that the River -Plate was admirably situated for the rendezvous of -our ships that had escaped from Coronel to the Falklands, -and of the northern squadron. Again, it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> -possible to coal there without infringing territorial -rights, as there is an excellent anchorage well outside -the three mile limit from the foreshore.</p> - -<p>The following calculations, written on November 6th, -1914, were made by the author:</p> - -<p>"The German Admiral will expect us to get reinforcements -out from England, so that it seems probable -that he will lose no time in coming round to the -east coast.</p> - -<p>"He arrived at Valparaiso on November 3rd. Supposing -he coals there and leaves at earliest on November -4th, the distance from Valparaiso to the Plate -is roughly 2,600 miles, or nine days at 12 knots; therefore, -allowing one day for coaling <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en route</i>, the earliest -that he could be off the Plate would be the 13th, more -likely not before November 15th."</p> - -<p>The strategical aspect in this sphere of operations -was completely changed by the success of the German -squadron off Cape Coronel, and necessitated not only -a complete change of plans, but also an entire redistribution -of our ships. These consisted of the <i>Carnarvon</i>, -<i>Cornwall</i>, <i>Bristol</i>, <i>Macedonia</i>, and <i>Edinburgh Castle</i>, -also the <i>Defence</i> and <i>Orama</i>, who were near Montevideo, -and the <i>Canopus</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, and <i>Otranto</i>.</p> - -<p>Admiral Stoddart, therefore, decided to go south -to Montevideo at once in order to meet the remainder -of our scattered ships. The <i>Bristol</i>, <i>Macedonia</i>, and -<i>Edinburgh Castle</i> were left to continue the search for -the <i>Karlsruhe</i>, although as a matter of fact she had -blown up on November 4th. Colliers were sent down -south to Montevideo to be in readiness for our ships,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> -and were ordered to sail at twelve-hour intervals to -diminish the chance of capture.</p> - -<p>The <i>Carnarvon</i> and <i>Cornwall</i> left the base on November -6th, the former calling at Rio de Janeiro on the way -for telegrams. Arriving at the Plate on the 10th, where -we found the <i>Defence</i> and <i>Orama</i>, the Admiral immediately -transferred his flag to the former ship, which was the -newest and most powerful of our cruisers. All ships -filled up with coal and awaited the arrival of the <i>Glasgow</i> -and <i>Otranto</i>; meanwhile, patrols were constantly -maintained at the mouth of the river.</p> - -<p>The following evening the <i>Glasgow</i> arrived amidst -congratulations from us all; she had put in to the -Falkland Islands to coal, in which assistance was provided -by volunteers from amongst the inhabitants. -After coaling, she was detached to Rio de Janeiro to -go into dry dock, so that the damage to her side might -be properly repaired. The same day the <i>Orama</i>, whilst -patrolling, met and sank the German storeship <i>Navarra</i> -which was set on fire by the Germans when escape -was seen to be impossible. We also got the cheering -news that the <i>Emden</i> had been sunk and that the -<i>Königsberg</i> had been bottled up, tidings which augured -well for the future.</p> - -<p>The Admiralty seem to have had a premonition -that the Germans intended to attack the Falklands -for the <i>Canopus</i>, although on her way north to Montevideo, -was ordered back to the Falkland Islands in -order to fortify and arm the harbour of Port Stanley -in co-operation with the local volunteers, converting -herself into a floating fort.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p> - -<p>The possibility of our encountering and having to -fight von Spee was the subject uppermost in all minds -at this time, and led to a great deal of discussion. The -outstanding feature in the situation was the extraordinary -lack of homogeneity of the composition of our -squadron. It consisted of three armoured cruisers of -entirely different classes, each carrying a different armament, -one light cruiser and four armed merchantmen. -The latter could not, of course, be pitted against warships -even of the light-cruiser type, and therefore had to be left -out of the reckoning. Amongst the four fighting ships -there were four descriptions of guns, viz. two 9.2-inch, -fourteen 7.5-inch, twenty-two 6-inch, and ten 4-inch, -while the German squadron had only three descriptions, -viz. sixteen 8.2-inch, twelve 5.9-inch, and thirty-two -4.1-inch. A prominent question, therefore, was what -range we should endeavour to maintain during an action; -the answer to which was very varied, preference being -given to ranges from 14,000 yards downwards. From -the gunnery point of view the enemy undoubtedly held -an advantage, as not only was his squadron more homogeneous, -having only two classes of ships, but also the -range of his guns was greater. As regards speed, there -was nothing to choose between the two squadrons, who -were evenly matched in this respect. Much would -depend upon whether he would choose to keep his -squadron together for the purpose of an action or to -disperse them on reaching the east coast. Opinions on -this and on many other points were divided. All were -agreed, however, that we ought to give a good account -of ourselves.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> - -<p>The wildest reports about von Spee's movements -were constantly received from Chilean and other sources. -Whilst at Montevideo rumours were circulated that the -German ships had been seen coming round Cape Horn.</p> - -<p>The Admiralty now informed Admiral Stoddart that -reinforcements were being sent out from England at -once; they had actually started just after our arrival -at the Plate. The secret of this news was well kept, -not an inkling leaking out at home or abroad—a fact -which contributed very largely to our subsequent victory. -It was decided, therefore, to return northwards -in order to effect a junction with the two battle-cruisers -that were on their way out. The squadron sailed on -November 12th, spread out in line abreast, and put in -some useful exercises on the way. Arriving at the base -five days later, we found the <i>Kent</i>, which was expected -as we had heard that she was being sent out to reinforce -us; she had brought a mail, which made her doubly -welcome. The <i>Bristol</i> and <i>Edinburgh Castle</i> rejoined, -but the latter was ordered off northwards on other service, -and sailed on November 19th, taking a mail for -England. It was blazing hot, but the next few days -passed quickly enough in carrying out gunnery practices, -patrolling, and coaling ship, during which the -<i>Glasgow</i> returned from Rio, spick and span.</p> - -<p>Most of November was a time of some suspense for -our ships, as we were hourly expecting an encounter -with the enemy, and it was with mixed feelings that -we learned of the nature of the reinforcements that were -coming out with such despatch. Our feelings of relief -were also tempered with regret at not having been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> -afforded an opportunity to prove our mettle. Further, -there was an awful and terrible thought that it might -be considered necessary to leave one of us cruisers -behind to guard the base.</p> - -<p>Most of our ships had had steam on their main -engines incessantly since war broke out, and a rest to -let fires out so as to make necessary adjustments was -badly needed, but was quite impossible near a neutral -coast.</p> - -<p>On November 26th our hearts were gladdened by -the sight of the <i>Invincible</i>, bearing the flag of Vice-Admiral -Sturdee, and the <i>Inflexible</i>; these two formidable-looking -ships had come out from England at a -mean speed of over 18 knots for fifteen days. Truly a -fine performance!</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER VIII</a><br /> - -<span class="small">POSSIBILITIES AND PROBABILITIES</span></h3> - - -<p class="noindent">The various possible courses open to Admiral Count von -Spee, both before and after Coronel, have already been discussed, -but the movements of his squadron have not been -subjected to examination in the light that they bear on -the policy which he adopted, nor have the results of that -action been considered from his point of view.</p> - -<p>The German squadron sailed from Mas-a-Fuera on -October 27th, and three days later arrived about noon -at a position some fifty miles to the westward of Valparaiso, -where it remained for upwards of twenty-four -hours. On October 31st—the same day that the <i>Glasgow</i> -went into Coronel with telegrams and the day before -that action was fought—the squadron steamed off -south, leaving the <i>Nürnberg</i> to wait off Valparaiso for -a few hours and probably to get information of importance. -The German Admiral undoubtedly went to the -neighbourhood of Valparaiso with the express intention -of obtaining news and was in communication with the -shore, for he begins his official report on the action fought -off Coronel by saying that his three light cruisers reached -on November 1st a point about twenty "sea miles from -the Chilean coast, in order to attack a British cruiser -(<i>Glasgow</i>), which, according to trustworthy information, -had reached the locality on the previous evening."</p> - -<p>It is, of course, impossible to know what were von<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> -Spee's intentions at this moment; they can only be -surmised from a general survey of the situation and -the means that he had of obtaining information. The -latter was acquired by an organised system, for there -were German agents in every South American port. -It may be taken as certain that any ship calling at -or passing Punta Arenas (Magellan Straits) would be -reported to him, and that the names of the ships and -certain of their movements on the south-east coast -would also be known to him.</p> - -<p>Easter Island—which was von Spee's original base—is -approximately 2,300 miles from Valparaiso, and -therefore out of range of wireless communication, -although it is possible he might occasionally be able -to take in a message under favourable conditions. However, -it is known from an officer survivor of the <i>Gneisenau</i> -that on October 19th the German Admiral received a -message—possibly through a German supply ship—stating -that a British Squadron consisting of "<i>Good -Hope</i>, <i>Monmouth</i>, and <i>Glasgow</i> was to the south." Now -we know that this squadron was at Punta Arenas on -September 28th, and leaving on that date was employed -searching inlets and bays round Tierra del Fuego for -some days. The <i>Good Hope</i> then returned to the Falklands, -finally leaving them on October 22nd, whilst the -others went on to the coast of Chile and were there -from October 11th onwards, making use of a sequestered -spot as a base. The <i>Glasgow</i> was at Coronel on October -14th and at Valparaiso the day following, so the fact of a -British Squadron being "south" was well known, though -the information did not reach von Spee till the 19th.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> - -<p>On receiving this news von Spee sailed immediately. -He knew he was in superior force to Cradock's squadron, -and the presumption is that he went over to prospect -and, if possible, to force an action. He went straight -to Mas-a-Fuera, only remained two days to coal, and -then on to a position off Valparaiso to pick up further -information.</p> - -<p>Immediately on hearing that the <i>Glasgow</i> was at -Coronel on the 31st, he proceeded south to cut her off, -and, as was likely to be the case, to meet Cradock. He -must have judged that the rest of the squadron could -not be far behind the <i>Glasgow</i>. The probability was that -he received information of the <i>Good Hope</i> passing through -the Straits about the 24th or 25th, and he might also -have heard of the <i>Canopus</i> doing so a day or two later, -in which case he would have calculated that the latter -could scarcely be so far north by this time.</p> - -<p>There is no indication that by this date von Spee -had made up his mind to quit the South Pacific. He -had hardly had time to make his arrangements for so -doing, and there is no doubt that they were not then -completed.</p> - -<p>Von Spee was at his full strength, having recently -added the <i>Dresden</i> and <i>Leipzig</i> to the squadron while -at Easter Island, he possessed the advantage of homogeneity, -and his squadron was far more modern. The -result we know, our ships were out-gunned and completely -outclassed. Fate played right into the hands -of von Spee on this occasion.</p> - -<p>It was undoubtedly a severe blow to British prestige -in these parts, and the Germans in all the large towns<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -were not slow in making the most of this temporary -success in order to advance their own interests. The -rumours that were circulated caused no little perturbation -amongst the neutral shipping agents, who feared -that von Spee would lose no time in attacking British -trade, and that those cargoes which were consigned to -Great Britain would be in jeopardy. Insurance rates -rose with a bound, and it is said that the Germans -went about openly deriding the British and causing -the most fantastic articles to be inserted in the local -Press. The exaggerated reports that were published, -both of the action and of its effects, certainly lends -colour to this source of information.</p> - -<p>It will be interesting to consider what von Spee -would have done if he had missed Admiral Cradock and -the action off Coronel had not been fought. In view of -his superior speed, von Spee would in all probability have -continued on his southerly course and rounded Cape Horn, -leaving Admiral Cradock behind him. There seem to be -grounds for supposing that he might go to the Cape of -Good Hope, but the campaign in German South West -Africa could scarcely be said to be progressing favourably -for the Germans, and it is not unreasonable to -suppose he would have preferred to go north along the -eastern side of South America to harass our trade. It -is legitimate to suppose that in this case he would not -have delayed to attack the Falkland Islands, with -Cradock's squadron on his heels and Stoddart's ships -converging on him from the north; in fact, it would -have been suicidal, for the wireless station there would -have given our ships warning of his approach, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> -delay might have enabled our two forces to unite. From -Stoddart's squadron alone he had nothing to fear, and -most likely would have welcomed an opportunity of -bringing it to action. The presence of the <i>Defence</i> at -Montevideo would certainly have been known to him at -that time, and he would probably have hoped to intercept -her before she joined Cradock. Had all this come to pass, -the Germans might then have separated, and when it -was found that the theatre of operations in the South -Atlantic became too hot for them, they might have -endeavoured to make their way home after doing as -much damage as possible to our commerce.</p> - -<p>As events turned out, however, von Spee waited -about at sea for a day or two after the action, apparently -in the hope of either hearing news of the <i>Good -Hope</i> or finding her. Writing at sea on November 2nd, -he says, in a letter that afterwards appeared in the -German Press: "If <i>Good Hope</i> escaped, she must, in -my opinion, make for a Chilean port on account of her -damages. To make sure of this, I intend going to Valparaiso -to-morrow with <i>Gneisenau</i> and <i>Nürnberg</i>, and -to see whether <i>Good Hope</i> could not be disarmed by -the Chileans." Writing under date of November 5th, he -adds: "We arrived at Valparaiso this morning.... -The news of our victory had not yet reached here, but -spread very quickly." The squadron split up, it seems, -arriving at different dates at Mas-a-Fuera, which became -the temporary headquarters of the German squadron -for the next fortnight. Here all ships coaled in turn. -Communication was maintained by sending the German -light cruisers into Valparaiso one after the other to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> -get the latest information. The <i>Leipzig</i> was there -somewhere about November 13th. This would show -a proper caution on his part, as belligerent vessels cannot -use neutral ports except at extended intervals.</p> - -<p>At Valparaiso von Spee must have obtained information -concerning the movements of our squadron -under Admiral Stoddart, who had then just sailed north -from Montevideo. He would also have probably been -aware of the presence of the Japanese squadron operating -in the Northern Pacific.</p> - -<p>In order to make the position clear, it must be -apprehended that a squadron consisting of the British -light cruiser <i>Newcastle</i>, together with the Japanese -cruiser <i>Idzuma</i>, and the small battleship <i>Hizen</i>, was concentrated -in the North Pacific. The battle-cruiser -<i>Australia</i> left Suva, Fiji, on November 8th to strengthen -this squadron, so that it may be deduced that this was a -direct result of the Coronel action which took place just a -week before. She joined these ships on November 26th at -Chamela Bay on the west coast of Mexico. The object -of this squadron was to prevent von Spee from coming -north, and to close on him should he remain on the -western coast of South America. Sailing southwards, -these ships visited the Galapagos Islands and then proceeded -on their quest for the enemy, the <i>Newcastle</i> -searching the Cocos Islands <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en route</i>. When nearing the -coast of Colombia, the splendid news of the Falkland -Islands battle was received, after which these ships -split up and separated.</p> - -<p>In view of these various courses of action open to -von Spee, the reader will appreciate how our minds were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> -occupied with the question of his future movements. -Would he, in the hope of adding further to his laurels, -attempt to repeat his success by going into the North -Pacific to engage the Allied squadron there, which might -have been inferior to him in strength? Or would he go -south and follow up his advantage in a direction where -there was nothing to oppose him for the moment, except -the <i>Canopus</i> and <i>Glasgow</i>? He could not hope successfully -to combat all the different squadrons looking for -him, nor, for that matter, did he wish to risk his ships, -for there were no others to replace them. It was not -his rôle to adopt such an offensive. He therefore chose -to give the impression that he was remaining off Chile, -and then suddenly vanished into complete oblivion. -Leaving no trace of his movements, he was careful to -forgo using all wireless; and, having completed arrangements -as to future supplies, he determined to appear -suddenly where he was least expected. History repeats -itself, and he evidently decided that the boldest plan -was what would be least anticipated, and therefore -most likely to be productive of success.</p> - -<p>Taking another point of view, it was obviously to -von Spee's advantage to hasten round to the east coast -of South America as quickly as possible after the action -off Coronel took place, and thus to reap the full benefit -of the success that he had already gained. He could not -possibly have shut his eyes to the fact that the immediate -following up of his victory was the most promising -policy for any scheme of operations in the South Atlantic. -He would then have been able to strike before reinforcements -could come out from England, which he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -must have been aware would be sent out to hunt him -down. Why, then, did he delay a whole month? -On his own showing the repairs necessary to render -his ships fit for further service only took a few days, -and it would not take long to arrange for his future -supplies on the east coast of South America with all -the German shipping cooped up in this part of the -world waiting to be put to any useful purpose. Is it, -therefore, unreasonable to suppose that he waited in -order to collect German reservists from Chile, either -to garrison the Falkland Islands once they had been -captured, or to take or escort them home to Germany? -He knew that he was really superior to the force under -Admiral Stoddart, yet he delayed leaving till November -26th, a period of nearly four weeks. The inference of -which is that he was not ready, and further that a seizure -of the Falkland Islands was deliberately contemplated -and prepared for, and was to be his first step. An -additional possible explanation lies in the deduction -that he could not have estimated that he would have -defeated Cradock so completely, and therefore took -time to consider the altered situation before committing -himself to a definite move, hoping in the interval to -get more information which might lead to a further -stroke of good fortune. The threat of the <i>Australia</i> -and the Japanese squadron to the north was not sufficiently -pronounced to force him to hurry.</p> - -<p>We have seen that it was almost out of the question -for von Spee to maintain his ships in the Northern -Pacific, but the conditions were entirely different on -the west coast of South America. Here there were a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> -number of uninhabited anchorages where he could -shelter, and he had a large German population to help -him on the coast of Chile. In fact, he did maintain -himself here until he knew that hostile forces were concentrating -and would move south to drive him out. -Meanwhile, he had effected repairs to his ships, and -had completed arrangements in advance for the supplies -of his ships on the east coast of South America. Thus -the conclusion appeared to be that there was no alternative -open to von Spee but to leave the Pacific, where he -had already shot his bolt.</p> - -<p>Whatever the true explanation of his policy may be, -the movements of his squadron point to his having -been quite at a loss what to do next. His position was -so hazardous and uncertain, so full of future difficulties, -that he could not see his way clear for any length of -time in order to work out any concerted plan. He -was a fugitive pure and simple, and felt that whatever -he did was in the nature of a venture.</p> - -<p>It was not till Cradock was defeated that he appears -to have formulated his plan for attacking the Falkland -Islands. He then seems to have been carried away by -the effect that the temporary capture of a British colony -and the hoisting of the German flag would have on our -prestige throughout the world. He would have destroyed -the wireless station, seized the coal and provisions lying -there, and would then have had to abandon the colony -to subsequent recapture. Had he originally contemplated -such a dramatic coup, he would never have delayed -a moment longer than was necessary.</p> - -<p>Keeping well away from the usual trade routes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> -the German ships sailed south, and on the way were -lucky enough to meet the <i>North Wales</i>, one of Cradock's -colliers. They arrived at San Quintin Sound on November -21st, coaled, and stayed five days. Thence von -Spee kept out for 200 miles from the land before turning -south, and got into very rough weather.</p> - -<p>An officer in the <i>Gneisenau</i> states:</p> - -<p>"<em>November 27th</em>—Force of wind up to 12. Later the -weather moderated a little so that we could proceed at -8 knots.</p> - -<p>"<em>November 29th</em>—Impossible to lay the tables. Broken -up furniture thrown overboard. All crockery was -smashed. Impossible to be on deck. Necessary to -secure oneself with ropes. We are about off the entrance -to the Magellan Straits.</p> - -<p>"<em>December 2nd</em>—Sighted two icebergs, appear to -be 50 metres high.</p> - -<p>"<em>December 3rd</em>—We are lying at the eastern exit of -the Beagle Channel close to Picton Island.</p> - -<p>"<em>December 6th</em>—We are going to Port Stanley."</p> - -<p>In judging von Spee's motives, it is as well to bear -in mind that he attained no success whatsoever after -Coronel except for the capture of two sailing ships and a -collier. That our squadron under Admiral Sturdee, having -only arrived the day previously, met him on his arrival off -Port Stanley, was the turn of Fortune's wheel in our favour.</p> - -<p>As all the world now knows, the battle of Coronel, -the greatest naval disaster that had befallen our arms -in the war, was to be avenged five weeks afterwards, -when the German squadron in its turn drank to the -dregs the bitter cup of despair.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p6" /> - -<h2><a name="Part_II" id="Part_II"></a><a href="#CONTENTS"><span class="smcap">Part II</span></a><br /> - -THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLANDS</h2> - -<p class="p6" /> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i094.jpg" alt="" /> -<p class="right xs">The Mappa Co. Ltd London</p> -<div class="caption"><em>Plan of Action of H.M.S. "CORNWALL"</em> <em>December 8<sup>th</sup> 1914.</em></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i096.jpg" alt="" /> -<p class="right xs">The Mappa Co. Ltd London</p> -<div class="caption"><em>Plan of Action between the -Battle Cruisers "INVINCIBLE" & "INFLEXIBLE" -and the German Armoured Cruisers -"SCHARNHORST" & "GNEISENAU"</em> <em>December 8<sup>th</sup> 1914.</em></div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span><br /> - <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER IX</a><br /> - -<span class="small">AWAY SOUTH</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verseq">"Into the golden West, across the broad</p> -<p class="verse">Atlantic once again. 'For I will show,'</p> -<p class="verse">Said Drake, 'that Englishmen henceforth will sail</p> -<p class="verse">Old ocean where they will.'"</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">The two battle-cruisers looked very businesslike as -they steamed up to the anchorage; their trip out had -taken off a good deal of paint, and they presented something -of the appearance of hardened warriors returning -from a spell in the trenches, as has been so well portrayed -by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather. To our joy they -brought a small mail only three weeks old.</p> - -<p>No sooner had the rattle of their cables ceased than -preparations for coaling were seen to be in progress.</p> - -<p>The same day, November 26th, the <i>Defence</i> sailed -for Cape Town via St. Helena to join the flag of Rear-Admiral -H. G. King-Hall. The <i>Macedonia</i> and <i>Otranto</i> -had been sent to Sierra Leone some time previously -to let out fires and examine boilers.</p> - -<p>The British Squadron was now under the command -of Vice-Admiral F. C. D. Sturdee, who held the title of -Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic and Pacific. The -Admiral's plan of operations possessed the distinctive -feature of every good invention; it was extremely simple -when once understood. Roughly speaking, it was this.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> -The squadron was to sail south to the Falklands, spreading -out to extreme visual signalling distance and searching -for the enemy's ships. All signals were to be made -by searchlight, and wireless was not to be used unless -it was absolutely necessary. The battle-cruisers were -placed in the centre of the squadron, comparatively -close together, with the double object of being able -to concentrate quickly in any direction and of keeping -secret their presence in these waters. Orders were subsequently -given that, after coaling at the Falklands, -the squadron would leave on December 9th, "in -order to get round the Horn before the enemy comes -East." The enemy was sure to be reported if he used -the Straits of Magellan; but it is believed that, to -make doubly sure of not missing him, the Admiral -intended to divide our squadron. Some of the cruisers -would then have gone through the Straits, meeting him -with the battle-cruisers somewhere in the Pacific; by -this means the presence of the latter would not become -known.</p> - -<p>Sailing on November 28th, on a lovely calm morning, -Admiral Sturdee must have indeed felt a proud man; -after years of labour in his profession, he had his ambition -realised by the command of a powerful squadron -in war with a definite task before him. It consisted -of <i>Invincible</i> (flag), <i>Inflexible</i>, <i>Carnarvon</i> (flag), <i>Cornwall</i>, -<i>Kent</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, and <i>Bristol</i>. The <i>Macedonia</i>, now on -her way back from Sierra Leone, was to join us on the -voyage south.</p> - -<p>On December 1st a report was received that "the -German fleet was 400 miles off Montevideo" the pre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>vious -evening, but no one believed it. The next day -we left dinner hurriedly; a signal was received, "Alter -course together" to starboard 60 degrees. We altered -and stood by for action, but it only turned out to be -a British vessel—a false alarm which, however, was -excellent practice. Information came through on the -3rd that the German tender <i>Patagonia</i> left Montevideo -during the night with stores for the German warships; -therefore presumably they were not far off.</p> - -<p>We arrived off Port Stanley on the morning of -December 7th, and were piloted into harbour through -a channel in the line of mines, which had been hastily -constructed from empty oil-drums, and laid across the -entrance by the <i>Canopus</i>. As there were only three -colliers here, the ships were ordered to coal in turn; -the remainder, under convoy of the <i>Orama</i>, were following -us down from the base.</p> - -<p>The Falkland Islands number about two hundred -only two of which, East and West Falkland, are -of any size. The coast line of both these islands is -deeply indented and much resembles one of the Outer -Hebrides. Devoid of all trees, the dark brown and -green moors, relieved here and there by patches of -granite quartz, look uninviting, but abound in penguins -hares, and sheep. Some of us, being unable to -coal ship, landed on the day of our arrival and shot -some hares and geese—a welcome change for the larder. -It was the breeding season, and the penguin camps or -rookeries were a striking sight; on approaching them -hundreds would stand up and waddle forward in a -threatening attitude, making a terrible din in order to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> -protect their eggs. So numerous are they compared -with the inhabitants that the Governor is locally called -the "King of the Penguins."</p> - -<p>The little town of Port Stanley, the capital, lies on -the south side of the inner portion of a harbour on -the east coast of East Falkland, and consists of two -streets of houses, almost all, except Government House -and the cathedral, constructed of timber and corrugated -iron. It is very much like one of the new small -towns of Canada. The principal fuel is peat, which -may be seen stacked as in Ireland. The population -numbers about a thousand, and another thousand—mostly -farmers and shepherds of Scottish origin—live -out on the moors of the islands.</p> - -<p>During the summer the temperature averages about -48° Fahr., and it is nearly always blowing hard, raining, -hailing, or snowing. Situated in a cold current -from the Antarctic, the temperature only falls eleven -degrees in the winter; as a result, scarcely any of the -inhabitants can swim, it being too cold to bathe. Owing -to the absence of sun and summer heat, wheat, oats, and -English vegetables do not thrive, but the colony is -none the less remarkably healthy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i101.jpg" alt="" /> -<p class="right xs">The Mappa Co. Ltd London</p> -<div class="caption">STANLEY HARBOUR with PORT WILLIAM</div> -</div> - -<p>When the news of the Coronel disaster reached -them, the islanders were naturally much concerned for -their safety. They had a volunteer corps of a few -hundred men, which took to training most assiduously -and quickly improved in efficiency. Every man was a -good horseman and proficient with the rifle, but the -corps were not sufficiently numerous to prevent a landing. -A council of war was held by the Governor, at which the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> -position was fully discussed. It seemed only too probable -that the Germans would attack the Islands, and -arrangements were made to send away from Stanley -the few women and children. Stores of provisions were -secreted within easy reach of the town, and the public -money, official documents, confidential books, and -valuables were either removed to a place of safety or -buried.</p> - -<p>This was the position when the <i>Canopus</i> and the -<i>Glasgow</i> arrived on November 8th. Sailing the same -evening, the <i>Canopus</i>, when half-way to Montevideo, -was ordered by the Admiralty to return and guard the -colony.</p> - -<p>On November 13th a warship was sighted from -the signal station at Port Stanley making straight towards -the harbour from the eastward, an unusual direction -from which to approach. The volunteers were -called out by the church bells sounding the alarm, and -every preparation was made to resist a landing; the -<i>Canopus</i> on her part could get no reply from the wireless -station, so was only able to conclude that Port -Stanley had fallen into the enemy's hands. When it -was seen that the visitor was none other than the <i>Canopus</i>, -the feelings of joy and relief were universal and knew -no bounds.</p> - -<p>Most of the inhabitants buried all their worldly -goods of any value, some using their back gardens, which -are lightly fenced off from one another, whilst others -even carried furniture some distance inland. Several -amusing stories resulted. One of these Scots, from -the window of his house, had watched his neighbour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> -burying a tin box, and had carefully noted its exact -position. Being hard up, he scaled the fence that night -and dug up and forced the box. Finding it contained -sovereigns, he helped himself to a portion, replaced -the box, and covered it over carefully with earth. A -few days later, temptation getting the better of him, he -paid his neighbour's garden another visit; on the third -occasion, however, he was caught red-handed. When -brought to book his defence was that as they were -such friends he had not taken the whole lot the first -time, which would have been quite easy to do, but -only a little just when it was needed to tide him over -his difficulties.</p> - -<p>The <i>Bristol</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, and <i>Inflexible</i> were ordered -to coal as soon as we arrived, the remainder awaiting -their turn. The <i>Carnarvon</i>, <i>Cornwall</i>, and <i>Bristol</i> were -allowed to put fires out to clean boilers and make adjustments -to the valves and machinery of the main engines, -in preparation for a protracted sea voyage. The <i>Macedonia</i> -patrolled the entrance to the harbour, the <i>Kent</i> -being ordered to relieve her at 8 o'clock <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'the follow-morning'">the following morning</ins>. -The <i>Bristol</i> and <i>Glasgow</i>, being of light -draught, proceeded into the inner harbour, but the rest -of the squadron anchored in the outer harbour, Port -William, as will be seen from the plan.</p> - -<p>There is no telegraph cable to the Falklands, so -that it was obvious the first point of attack by the -enemy would be the wireless station. To protect this -the <i>Canopus</i> entered the inner harbour, forced herself -aground on the muddy bottom, and moored taut head -and stern in a position that would enable her to com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>mand -the southern approach. Here she was able to -fire over the narrow neck of low-lying land, that at -the same time served partially to conceal her. An -observation station, connected with the ship by telephone, -was set up ashore, with an elaborate plan for -obtaining the bearing and elevation for the guns. Top-masts -were housed, and the ship, masts, and funnels were -painted all the colours of the rainbow in great big -splodges to render her less visible. A look-out station -was set up in Sparrow Cove, and three 12-pounder -batteries were hastily constructed to dominate the -approaches. The landing and placing of these guns, -together with the digging of the emplacements, called -for a great deal of hard work. Every credit is due to -the <i>Canopus</i> for the admirable manner in which she -dealt with the situation.</p> - -<p>Major Turner, who was in command of the Falkland -Island Volunteers, was indefatigable in his efforts to -prepare efficient land defences. This corps gave valuable -assistance to the <i>Canopus</i>, co-operating in the work -of preparing the coast defences. Prior to the arrival of -the <i>Canopus</i>, their only guns were a 12-pounder 8-cwt. -field gun which had been lent by the <i>Glasgow</i>, and a -few very antique muzzle-loading field guns.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER X</a><br /> - -<span class="small">ENEMY IN SIGHT</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verseq">"And from the crow's nest of the Golden Hynde</p> -<p class="verse">A seaman cried, 'By God, the hunt is up!'"</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">December 8th, 1914, was apparently to prove an exception -to the general rule in the Falklands, where -it usually rains for twenty-one days during the last -month of the year, for a perfect mid-summer's morning -gave every promise of a fine day to follow. The prospect -of a busy day coaling, and taking in stores, brought -with it thoughts of the morrow when we were to set -forth on our quest after the enemy. The colliers went -their round from ship to ship, and the rattling of the -winches hoisting the coal inboard never ceased.</p> - -<p>At 7.56 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the <i>Glasgow</i> fired a gun to attract the -attention of the <i>Invincible</i>, who was busy coaling, to the -signal of the <i>Canopus</i> reporting smoke in sight to the south.</p> - -<p>Shortly after 8 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the officers in the <i>Cornwall</i> were -all sitting at breakfast when the Chief Yeoman of Signals -entered with a beaming face, full of news, to report that -cruisers were in sight to the southward. The general -opinion was that some Japanese cruisers were probably -coming to join us, and attention was again turned to -breakfast.</p> - -<p>About 8.15 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> came a signal from the flag ship: -"Raise steam for full speed, report when ready." Rumour -had been so rife of late that we still remained sceptical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -until a few minutes later news came from the signal -station on Sapper Hill that two hostile men-of-war -were approaching from the southward, and shortly -after that smoke was visible beyond these vessels.</p> - -<p>It afterwards transpired that a lady named Mrs. -Felton, the wife of a sheep farmer living near Point -Pleasant, in the south of the Island, sent her maid and -house-boy to the top of a ridge to report everything -they saw whilst she telephoned the sighting of the -enemy's ships to the nearest signal station, from which -it was passed to Port Stanley. She continued to send -messages reporting every subsequent movement of the -German ships. The three German colliers, two of which -were sunk, were also first sighted by her and duly reported. -She afterwards received a silver salver from -the Admiralty in recognition of her prompt action, and -her maid a silver teapot, whilst the signalman at Sapper -Hill, Port Stanley, received £5 from Admiral Sturdee—a -fact we had cause to remember later on, when frequent -reports of "hearing distant firing," "sighting -smoke," resulted in one or two wild-goose chases!</p> - -<p>"Enemy in sight." What a thrilling message for -us all! We could scarcely believe our ears. "What a -stroke of luck!" was the general comment. But this -was no time for ruminating; deeds, not words, were -required. At last "the Day" for which we had prepared -had dawned. In very truth the hunt was up. -The magic news travelled round the ship's company like -lightning, and they fell in in record time—in spite of -having to forgo some of their breakfast. The <i>Invincible</i>, -<i>Inflexible</i>, and <i>Carnarvon</i> were in the middle of coaling.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> -Colliers were cast off, and all ships prepared for action in -case the enemy appeared off the entrance to Port William.</p> - -<p>As several of our ships had one engine down at six -hours' notice, the bustle and activity in the engine -rooms may well be imagined. We on deck naturally -enough were soon ready, and chafed at the delay.</p> - -<p>The <i>Kent</i> went out of harbour to reconnoitre, to -report on the movements of the enemy, and to -relieve the <i>Macedonia</i>. The enemy's two leading ships—the -<i>Gneisenau</i> and <i>Nürnberg</i>—were in sight and were -approaching the wireless station, intending to wreck -it. When near the Wolf Rocks they stopped engines and -turned to the north-eastward. The bearing and elevation -of the enemy ships having been telephoned from the observation -station, the <i>Canopus</i>, finding that they could get -no closer, opened fire over the low neck of land at 9.20 -<span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> with her 12-inch guns, firing five rounds at a range -of 12,000 yards (<em>see</em> <a href="#Page_83">page 83</a>). It was the first time that -most of us had heard a shot fired in a naval action, -and it brought home very forcibly the fact that we -should soon be tackling the job to which we had looked -forward for so long. Hoisting their colours, the enemy -turned away S.E. to join the main squadron, which -headed out to the eastward. It afterwards transpired -that the Germans had seen the tripod masts of our -battle-cruisers over the land, which probably decided -von Spee in turning away from his objective. In one -moment all his hopes of destroying our Fleet—supposed -to consist of <i>Carnarvon</i>, <i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Bristol</i>, and possibly -the <i>Canopus</i> and <i>Glasgow</i>—the wireless station, -and then capturing the colony, were dashed to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> -ground. From survivors it appears that one of the -<i>Canopus's</i> shells had <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'ricochetted'">ricocheted</ins>, striking the <i>Gneisenau</i> -at the base of her after funnel; it was also claimed -that a piece of another hit the <i>Nürnberg</i>—good shooting -by indirect fire at such a range, with guns of an old -type and improvised fire-control arrangements.</p> - -<p>Officers of the <i>Canopus</i>, who were in the observation -station ashore, saw through the telescope of their theodolite -the men on board the <i>Gneisenau</i> fallen in on -deck; they could be distinguished, quite plainly, dressed -ready for landing, in order to capture the wireless station -under cover of their ship's guns. But when the <i>Canopus</i> -opened fire with her first two projectiles they lost no -time in scuttling away to their action stations.</p> - -<p>An amusing incident occurred on board the <i>Canopus</i> -when the enemy first hove in sight. The stokers off -watch climbed up inside the foremost funnel to see -what was going on and sat round the edge, feeling quite -secure as they knew the ship was ashore—hard and fast. -They very soon came down, however, when they were -informed that the boilers of that funnel were being -lit up and the ship going to sea.</p> - -<p>At 9.40 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the <i>Glasgow</i> went out to join the <i>Kent</i> -in observing the enemy's movements. Five minutes -later the squadron weighed, with the exception of the -<i>Bristol</i>, who had all her fires out to clean boilers. She -was ready three-quarters of an hour later, however, -which must have constituted a record for ships of her -class. The <i>Carnarvon</i>, <i>Inflexible</i>, <i>Invincible</i>, and <i>Cornwall</i> -proceeded out in the order named, the <i>Inflexible</i> -ramming a sailing pinnace belonging to the <i>Cornwall</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -half full of stores, on her way through the line of mines; -fortunately a barrel of beer belonging to the wardroom -officers had previously been rescued! The <i>Macedonia</i> -was ordered to remain behind in Port William. It was -very clear with a slight north-westerly breeze—ideal -conditions for a long-range action.</p> - -<p>The last of our line cleared the harbour about 10.30 -<span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span>, when the five enemy ships could be seen hull down -on the horizon to the S.E., 12 to 13 miles off, steaming off -in the hopeless attempt to escape. The signal "General -chase" was flying from the <i>Invincible</i>, and the magnificent -spectacle of our ships, each with four or five white -ensigns fluttering in the breeze, all working up to full -speed, will always live in the memory of those who -witnessed it on that eventful day.</p> - -<p>The surprise and horror of the Germans at seeing -our two battle-cruisers for the first time was testified -by the survivors, who said, "They tried not to believe -it." It must have been an awful moment finding themselves -suddenly face to face with almost certain destruction. -First of our ships came the little <i>Glasgow</i>, -dashing along like an express train, then the two huge -battle-cruisers going about 25 knots, belching forth -volumes of dense black smoke as they made use of -their oil fuel to quicken their fires, followed by the <i>Kent</i>, -<i>Carnarvon</i>, and <i>Cornwall</i> doing about 22 knots.</p> - -<p>The Admiral reduced speed for an hour to 20 knots -at 11.15 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span>, to allow the "County" cruisers to catch -up, for it was evident that we were rapidly gaining on -the enemy, as we sped along on an easterly course. The -<i>Glasgow</i> was ordered to keep three miles ahead of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> -<i>Invincible</i>. There was now an opportunity to get out of -coaling kit and have a hasty wash. The ship's companies -were consequently sent to dinner early, acting on -the good old maxim that a man always fights better on -a full stomach; but the excitement was too intense for -most men to have more than a bite, and they were -mostly to be seen crowding about the ship's decks -munching a hastily made sandwich.</p> - -<p>At 11.27 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the <i>Bristol</i> reported that the smoke -of three steamers, enemy transports, had been sighted -from the signal station at Point Pleasant to the southward -of the Island, whereupon the Commander-in-Chief -ordered the <i>Bristol</i> and <i>Macedonia</i> to destroy them. They -arrived to find only two, both big colliers, the <i>Baden</i> -and <i>Santa Isabel</i>; the <i>Bristol</i> took off the crews and -then sank the vessels. Half an hour later the <i>Bristol</i> -learnt the news of the result of the action, and that the -sacrifice of their valuable cargoes had been unnecessary. -The <i>Macedonia</i>, who was first upon the scene, sighted -smoke on the horizon, but could see no ship. Rumour -had it that this third ship was the <i><ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'Seidlitz'">Seydlitz</ins></i>, and that she -had a landing party of armed men and field guns on -board, but this has never been substantiated in any way.</p> - -<p>The <i>Glasgow</i> was ordered back, and at 12.20 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> -the Commander-in-Chief decided to attack the enemy -with the battle-cruisers, whose speed was increased to -25 knots. The enemy were steaming in two divisions -in quarter-line, first the <i>Gneisenau</i> and <i>Nürnberg</i> on -the left of the line, then the <i>Scharnhorst</i> (flag), <i>Dresden</i>, -and <i>Leipzig</i>; the latter being astern of the remainder -of their ships, who were on the starboard bow of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -our squadron, became the first target. "Action" -was sounded, and at once not a soul was to be seen -about the decks, each man being busy at his appointed -station. The Admiral hoisted the signal "Open fire" -at 12.47, and eight minutes later the <i>Inflexible</i> fired -at the <i>Leipzig</i> the first round of the action; the <i>Invincible</i> -followed almost immediately afterwards. Both -ships were now going their full speed, nearly 27 knots, -and firing slowly and deliberately at the great range -of 16,000 yards (over nine land miles). The huge -columns of water, over 150 feet high, thrown up by -our 12-inch projectiles, which weigh 840 lb., sometimes -completely blotted out the enemy target at this -distance. Owing to the German ships being end-on, -it was difficult to get the direction, but our shots were -falling very close to them at times, and soon produced -a drastic change in their movements.</p> - -<p>Admiral von Spee is said to have now made this -signal to his ships: "The armoured cruisers will -engage the enemy <em>as long as possible</em>, the light cruisers -are to use every endeavour to escape." Acting on -this, at 1.20 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Dresden</i>, the <i>Nürnberg</i>—which -one of our battle-cruisers claimed to have hit—and -the <i>Leipzig</i> turned away to the southward, the positions -of the ships being roughly as shown in the plan -(<a href="#Page_94">p. 94</a>). The <i>Scharnhorst</i> and <i>Gneisenau</i> will be seen -turning to port to engage the battle-cruisers, which -altered simultaneously on to a parallel course, whilst -the remainder of our squadron, except the <i>Carnarvon</i>, -which presumably had orders to proceed with the Commander-in-Chief, -turned and gave chase to the <i>Dresden</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> -<i>Leipzig</i>, and <i>Nürnberg</i>. The <i><ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'Carvarvon'">Carnarvon</ins></i> was, of course, -unable to keep up with the big ships, and did not get -into action until later; she was now 10 miles astern, and -altered course to port to cut a corner and join the Flag.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i112.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption">ROUGH DIAGRAM OF ACTION OFF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS 8<sup>TH</sup> DECEMBER, 1914.</div> -</div> - -<p>All this while the "County" cruisers were coming -along with all possible speed. The <i>Glasgow</i> was -stationed clear of the battle-cruisers, which were -followed by the <i>Kent</i>, <i>Cornwall</i>, and <i>Carnarvon</i>. -When the action commenced the crews of these ships -had the most perfect view of a modern naval engagement -fought at long range. As an officer in the <i>Kent</i> -described it: "We were spectators in the front row -of the stalls, as it were, so close that we could almost -touch the actors on the stage, yet so far that no stray -missile disturbed the comfort of our view. The best<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> -seats in the house at a performance of one of the few -remaining spectacles which cannot be bought for money."</p> - -<p>Imagine a calm, smooth sea, the sun shining and -not a cloud in the sky, the ship steaming at something -over 23 knots, and the men crowded on the turrets -and in every available corner, tier upon tier, for all -the world as if looking on at a cup tie at the Crystal -Palace.... It was a wonderful sight. The big ships -buried their sterns in the sea, throwing up the seething -water in their wakes as they dashed onwards. The -bright flashes of their guns showed up strikingly, followed -successively by the dark brown puffs of cordite -smoke; the seconds were counted until the reports -were heard and huge columns of water thrown up by -the splashes were seen. Many of the men had had -friends in the <i>Good Hope</i> and <i>Monmouth</i> whose fate was -fresh in their minds. "Give 'em one for the <i>Monmouth</i>!" -and "Go on, boys, give 'em hell—let the -blighters feel what it's like!" were shouted quite unconsciously, -punctuated by loud cheers when a salvo -pitched perilously close to the enemy ships. Of course, -the majority realised our superiority, but those in -authority must have felt a pride in such men who gave -the impression they would face odds with intrepidity.</p> - -<p>The battle now divided itself into two separate -engagements, the battle-cruisers and the <i>Carnarvon</i>, -which were engaging the two enemy armoured cruisers, -and the <i>Cornwall</i>, <i>Kent</i>, and <i>Glasgow</i>, which gave chase -to the light cruisers. Later, a third action developed -when the <i>Kent</i> went after the <i>Nürnberg</i>. Each of these -will be taken in turn and described separately.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER XI</a><br /> - -<span class="small">THE BATTLE-CRUISER ACTION</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verseq">"Are hell-gates burst at last? For the black deep</p> -<p class="verse">To windward burns with streaming crimson fires!</p> -<p class="verse">Over the wild strange waves, they shudder and creep</p> -<p class="verse">Nearer—strange smoke-wreathed masts and spare, red spires</p> -<p class="verse">And blazing hulks."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">A few minutes after the German light-cruisers turned -away to the S.S.E. in accordance with his orders, Admiral -Count von Spee, apparently deciding to accept the inevitable, -determined to try and close so as to get into -the effective range of his 8.2-inch guns. With this intention, -his two armoured cruisers turned in succession -about 80 degrees to port, which brought them into -line-ahead with the <i>Gneisenau</i> leading, and then opened -fire at 1.30 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> But he had reckoned without his -host, as this very obvious manœuvre did not at all suit -Admiral Sturdee's book, who was acting on the principle -that ammunition is cheaper than human life, and was -resolved to fight at his own chosen range. Our ships, -therefore, eased speed to 24 knots, and turned together -away from the enemy to port, which brought them at -the same time into <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'line ahead'">line-ahead</ins> with the flag ship <i>Invincible</i> -in the van.</p> - -<p>The two squadrons were on nearly parallel courses -(<em>see</em> facing <a href="#Page_77">page 79</a>). The <i>Inflexible</i> had checked fire for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> -a while, but now reopened on the <i>Scharnhorst</i> at a -range of 14,500 yards. Both the enemy ships concentrated -their fire on the <i>Invincible</i> at this time, whilst -ours fired each at his opponent. The respective armaments -are seen from the following:</p> - -<div class="center small"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr><td class="tdl pad3"><em>Name</em></td><td class="tdc"><em>Tonnage</em></td><td class="tdc pad2"><em>Armament</em> </td><td class="tdc"><em>Speed</em></td><td class="tdr"><em>Completion</em></td><td class="tdr"><em>Armour Belt</em></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr wd15"><i>Invincible</i> }</td><td class="tdc wd15" rowspan="2">17,250</td><td class="tdr padr1 wd15">{ 8—12" }</td><td class="tdc wd15" rowspan="2">26</td><td class="tdr padr1 wd12">{ 1909</td><td class="tdr wd15">7 to 4 in.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"><i>Inflexible</i> }</td><td class="tdr padr1">{ 16—4" }</td><td class="tdr padr1">{ 1908</td><td class="tdr">7 to 4 in.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc"><i>Carnarvon</i></td><td class="tdc">10,850</td><td class="tdr padr1">4—7.5"</td><td class="tdc">22</td><td class="tdr padr1">1903</td><td class="tdr">7 to 4 in.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr padr2">6—6"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"><i>Scharnhorst</i> }</td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr">{ 8—8.2" }</td><td class="tdc">23.5</td><td class="tdr padr1">1908</td><td class="tdr">6 to 3 in.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">}</td><td class="tdc">11,420</td><td class="tdr">{ 6—5.9" }</td><td class="tdr"></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr"><i>Gneisenau</i> }</td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr">{ 20—3.4" }</td><td class="tdc">23.8</td><td class="tdr padr1">1908</td><td class="tdr">6 to 3 in.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="6">Compiled from "Brassey's Naval Annual."</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p>As Admiral Sturdee edged away and did not -allow the range to get below 13,500 yards, the fire -of the Germans was not effective. A gunnery officer -stated that their fire control was efficient, and -that their salvoes, fired frequently, fell well together, -the spread being about 200 yards. They had been -firing about ten minutes when the <i>Scharnhorst</i> went -ahead and took the lead, so our ships changed -targets. For a short time both German ships now fired -at the <i>Inflexible</i>, but without result; soon afterwards -they again honoured the <i>Invincible</i> with their attentions, -and, getting the range, scored their first hit about 1.45 -<span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> The range was now increased, spotting the fall -of shot became more and more difficult, and finally -smoke interfered with our gunfire. At 2 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the -distance of the enemy was 16,450 yards. Ten minutes -later von Spee turned right away and made a -second attempt to escape, as he had been unable -to get to close quarters. We turned gradually after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> -him, but as he continued to turn away, in the words -of Admiral Sturdee, "A second chase ensued." All -firing ceased, and there was an appreciable lull in the -proceedings.</p> - -<p>Of the damage to the <i>Scharnhorst</i> at this time -no estimate can be formed, but survivors from the -<i>Gneisenau</i> stated that they had three direct hits, resulting -in fifty men being killed and wounded. To the -uninitiated this may seem to be poor shooting; but -the difficulty of seeing clearly enough to make accurate -corrections to the gunsights, the extreme range, and -the disturbing effect of the enemy's fire must all be -taken into account. Doubtless, too, there were several -hits of an insignificant nature on the upper works and -rigging that were not taken into account. It was -impossible to tell at such a long range whether we scored -a hit unless a fire resulted.</p> - -<p>The efficiency of the engine-room staff was now put -to the test; they nobly responded, with the result that -our big ships attained a greater speed than they had -ever done before.</p> - -<p>At this juncture a full-rigged sailing ship appeared -on the port hand of our battle-cruisers; she was painted -white, and her sails were shining as if bleached in the -bright sunlight; with stunsails and every stitch of -canvas spread she sailed majestically along, looking a -perfect picture. So close was she that the Admiral was -forced to alter his course to pass a couple of miles clear -of her, so that the enemy's shell <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'ricochetting'">ricocheting</ins> should not -hit her. Truly it must have been a thrilling and dramatic -moment for her to find herself an involuntary witness<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> -of such a wonderful spectacle! Imagine her consternation -at being plunged suddenly into the middle of a -red-hot naval action between powerfully armed modern -men-of-war, with shell falling in the water quite close -alongside.</p> - -<p>The distance of the retreating enemy was rapidly -decreasing, until at 2.45 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> Admiral Sturdee gave the -order to open fire at a range of about 15,000 yards. -Von Spee held on his course in the vain hope, apparently, -of drawing us on, so that by a sudden turn made later -he might "get to grips." Eight minutes afterwards the -Germans were forced to turn to port towards us, forming -into line-ahead and opening fire as soon as they came -round. We hauled out once again on to an almost parallel -course. The range had appreciably dropped, and was -at one time under 12,000 yards. Things now became -fast and furious, shot and bursting shell were everywhere -in the air, and our 12-inch guns were doing terrible -execution. "It was like hell let loose," said a petty -officer in the flagship, which was hit several times. The -German gunnery was not nearly as good as it had been -in the first phase of the engagement, whilst we had settled -down to business and were, on the whole, more accurate -than before. An officer in the <i>Inflexible</i> remarked that at -this time several of the enemy's shell fell between our -two ships and that as his ship approached these yellow-green -patches, he wondered whether the debatable -maxim that no two projectiles ever hit the same spot -would prove accurate.</p> - -<p>The <i>Scharnhorst</i> was badly hit at 3 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, starting -a fire forward, but she continued to blaze away; the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> -<i>Gneisenau</i> also bore signs of the severe treatment she -had received from the <i>Inflexible</i>. The <i>Invincible</i> now -met with some damage, and suffered by far the most -as the enemy's fire was naturally concentrated on -her. The wind had increased, and was blowing the -smoke across the guns, impeding our gunners, and the -<i>Carnarvon</i> was coming up astern, so at 3.18 Admiral -Sturdee executed a sudden manœuvre by putting his -helm over to starboard, turning completely around, -and crossing his own track so as to steer roughly S.W.; -this put the enemy completely off the range, and also -forced him five minutes later on to a parallel course, -in order to avoid the alternative of being raked fore -and aft. As both our ships had altered course together, -their respective positions became reversed—the <i>Inflexible</i> -leading—and they presented their port sides -to the enemy (<em>see</em> facing <a href="#Page_77">p. 79</a>). The <i>Carnarvon</i> cut -the corner and came up on the off side of the battle-cruisers, -in accordance with Admiral Sturdee's orders, -as her guns were useless at ranges exceeding 12,000 -yards. The <i>Scharnhorst</i>, who had already had a bad -hammering from the flagship, was now subjected to -the concentrated fire of our two big ships for a very -short time, during which the <i>Gneisenau</i> was lost sight -of in her consort's smoke. At 3.30 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Scharnhorst's</i> -fire had slackened perceptibly, and one shell had -shot away her third funnel.</p> - -<p>The <i>Invincible</i> now engaged the <i>Gneisenau</i>, who was -not nearly so badly damaged and was firing all her -guns. In fact, all ships were at it as hard as they could -go, but the <i>Inflexible</i> came off lightly on account of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> -the plight of her opponent. The noise was indescribable, -shell were hurtling through the rigging; when one -actually struck and burst, the whole ship quivered and -staggered, while the crash of steel plates falling, and -splinters of shell striking the upper works, sounded like -hundreds of empty tins being hurled against one another.</p> - -<p>The <i>Scharnhorst</i> was clearly in a very bad way, and -looked, as she was, a perfect wreck. Masses of steel -were twisted and torn as if growing out in all directions -like the roots of a tree, clouds of steam were going up -sky high, and she was blazing fore and aft. The Admiral -says, "At times a shell would cause a large hole to -appear in her side, through which could be seen a dull -red glow of flame." She was 14,000 yards distant. Up -till quite near the end, however, she continued to fire in -salvos, her starboard guns having only been in action -since the last turn was made. At 3.56 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the Commander-in-Chief -decided to close in and give her the -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">coup de grace</i>, which enabled the Carnarvon to get into -action and open fire for the first time. By 4 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> both -the <i>Scharnhorst's</i> masts, as well as her three funnels, -were shot away, and she was listing heavily to port. -She struggled on hopelessly and went over more and -more, until at 4.10 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> she was on her beam ends. -For seven minutes she remained in this position, her -screws still going round, and then suddenly sank like -a stone, with her flag still flying.</p> - -<p>Shortly before the German flagship sank, our ships -checked fire and then opened on the <i>Gneisenau</i>. It will -be seen from the plan of the action that at the time the -<i>Invincible</i> turned two complete circles in a sort of figure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> -of eight, the <i>Gneisenau</i> hesitated for a minute or two -as to whether she should stand by her consort to save -life. Under the impression, apparently, that our flagship, -which had turned towards the <i>Scharnhorst</i>, was about -to pick up survivors, the <i>Gneisenau</i> passed on the far side -of the sinking ship and opened a heavy and well-directed -fire on the <i>Inflexible</i>. We were now three against one, -who was, nevertheless, determined to sell herself as -dearly as possible. It was a gallant attempt.</p> - -<p>The distance was fortunately too great to see clearly -the wretched survivors of the <i>Scharnhorst</i> left struggling -hopelessly against their fate, but it brought the dark -side of war very vividly into notice for the first time. -A quarter of an hour after she sank the <i>Carnarvon</i> passed -over the exact spot, but neither survivors nor wreckage -were to be seen.</p> - -<p>The weather now changed, a light drizzling mist -obscuring the former visibility. It was obvious that -there could be only one end to the fight now in progress, -and that it could not long be delayed. At 4.15 -<span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Invincible</i> opened fire on the <i>Gneisenau</i>, which -shifted her target from the <i>Inflexible</i> and fired at the -flagship with creditable precision. She was "straddling" -the <i>Invincible</i> at 4.25, the range being about -10,000 yards, so this was increased. During the next -quarter of an hour our flagship was hit three times, -but the German was taking terrible punishment. At -4.47 she ceased firing; her colours had been shot away -several times, but she had hoisted them again and -again. Now, however, no colours were to be seen, so -it was only natural to conclude she had struck, though<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> -it was afterwards ascertained that she had no more -left to hoist. Our ships turned to avoid getting too -far off, when, to the surprise of all, she suddenly fired -off a solitary gun, showing that she was still game. -Unlike her late consort, which looked a perfect wreck -for some time before actually sinking, she had to all -appearances suffered very little. At 5.8 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, however, -her foremost funnel went by the board.</p> - -<p>The carnage and destruction wrought in the <i>Gneisenau</i> -by our three ships were terrible, and it was astonishing -what a deal of hammering she was still able to bear. -That her casualties at this time were very heavy was -beyond doubt, as shell were to be seen tearing up her -decks as they burst, while the upper works became -a veritable shambles. It was not till 5.15 that the -doomed ship, being badly hit between the third and -fourth funnels, showed real signs of being <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">in extremis</i>. -She was still firing, however, and even scored an effective -hit—the last one she was to get—about this -period.</p> - -<p>At 5.30 she was obviously dead beat and turned -towards our squadron with a heavy list to starboard, -afire fore and aft, and steam issuing in dense clouds -from all directions. Admiral Sturdee now ordered -"Cease fire," but before the signal could be hoisted -<i>Gneisenau</i> opened fire again, and continued to keep -it up with her one remaining undamaged gun. This -was returned until it was silenced, when our ships closed -in on her. The ensign flying at her foremast head was -hauled down at 5.40, but the one at her peak was left -flying. Five minutes later she again fired, but only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> -one solitary round, after which she maintained silence. -The signal was made to cease firing immediately afterwards, -when it was evident that her gallant struggle -was at an end.</p> - -<p>She now heeled over quite slowly, giving her men -plenty of time to get up on deck. At 6 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> our ships -were perhaps 4,000 yards off, and the Germans could -be seen gathering together on her "forecastle quarter -deck." Remaining on her beam ends for a few seconds, -during which the men were seen clambering about on -her side, she quite gently subsided and disappeared -without any explosion, although a film of steamy haze -hovered over the spot where she sank. The bow remained -poised for a second or two, after which she -foundered at 6.2 in latitude 52° 40′ S., longitude 56° 20′ -W., having withstood the combined fire of our ships -for an hour and forty-five minutes.</p> - -<p>The sea was no longer quite calm, and a misty, -drizzling rain was falling. Closing in hastily, every -effort was made to save life, and boats were got out -and lowered. This is no easy job after an action, as -the boats are turned inboard, resting on their crutches, -and are kept partially filled with water in case a shell -might strike them and cause a fire. This water must -first be drained out, then the weight of the boat is hoisted -on to the slips to enable it to be swung outboard, which -is not easy if the ship has been hit near the water-line, -causing a list. Finally, several of the boats are certain -to be riddled with shell splinters.</p> - -<p>A midshipman, describing the scene that followed, -writes, "We cast overboard every rope's end we can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> -and try our hands at casting to some poor wretch feebly -struggling within a few yards of the ship's side. Missed -him! Another shot. He's further off now! Ah! the -rope isn't long enough. No good; try someone else. -He's sunk now!"</p> - -<p>The men, however, had not yet heard of the rough -weather during the Coronel action, and still thought -that the Germans might have saved our poor fellows -there. Lines were thrown over with shouts of, "Here, -Sausage, put this round your belly," and the like. Taking -into consideration that it was estimated some 600 men -had been killed or wounded, and that the temperature -of the water was 40°, it was fortunate that as many as -170 officers and men were rescued. The gallant Admiral -Count von Spee, whose conduct bears out the best -traditions of naval history, and his two sons, all lost -their lives in the course of the day.</p> - -<p>A curious feature of this action was the terrific -damage done by 12-inch lyddite shell. One of the -<i>Gneisenau's</i> turrets was severed from its trunk and blown -bodily overboard. Nearly every projectile that hit -caused a fire, which was often promptly extinguished -by the splash of the next one falling short. Indeed, it -was stated by the prisoners that the guns' crews in -the German ships were frequently working their guns -up to their knees in water, and towards the latter -part of the engagements were unable to fire on -account of the volume of water thrown up by short -shots.</p> - -<p>The <i>Invincible</i> had been hit about twenty-two times, -but the fighting efficiency of the ship was not affected.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> -Eighteen of these were direct hits, two being below -the water-line on the port side, one of which flooded -a bunker and gave her a list to port. There were no -casualties, however, amongst her complement of 950. -The <i>Inflexible</i> was only hit directly twice; she had one -man killed and three slightly wounded. Her main -derrick was cut in two, so that she was unable to use -her steam boats. The few casualties speak more eloquently -than any words of the tactics adopted by -Admiral Sturdee in putting to the greatest possible use -the heavier armament at his disposal.</p> - -<p>The <i>Invincible</i> had some interesting damage. One -8.2-inch shell burst and completely wrecked her wardroom, -making a gigantic hole in her side. Two others -hit the stalk of her after conning tower and burst, but -did no damage to the inmates, who only complained of -the fumes being sweet and sickly, leaving an unpleasant -taste which, however, soon wore off. Another interesting -case was the extraordinary damage done by a spent -projectile falling at an angle of fifty degrees. Passing -close under her forebridge, it cut the muzzle of -one of her 4-inch guns clean off, after which it passed -through the steel deck, through a ventilating trunk, -through the deck below, and finished up in the -Admiral's storeroom—side by side with the cheese, -which put the finishing touch to its career. Another -shell caused a nasty hole on the water-line, seven -feet by three, which was found to be beyond the capabilities -of the ship's staff to repair temporarily. The -bunker had to be left flooded, all the surrounding bulkheads -being carefully shored up and strengthened until<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> -she returned to England. In "A Naval Digression"<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> -"G. F." says: "On a part of the main deck one might -have imagined for a second that a philanthropist had -been at work, for there, strewn about, were a thousand -odd golden sovereigns; a shell had come through the -upper deck, and, visiting the Fleet-Paymaster's cabin, -had 'upset' the money chest. It had then gone through -the bulkhead into the chaplain's cabin next door, and -finally passed out through the ship's side, taking with -it a large part of the reverend gentleman's wardrobe, -and reducing to rags and tatters most of what it had -the decency to leave behind."</p> - -<p>The Commander of the <i>Gneisenau</i> was picked up by -the <i>Inflexible</i>, and gave some interesting details. Describing -the time when the <i>Canopus</i> fired at the <i>Gneisenau</i> -and <i>Nürnberg</i> on their first approach to Port Stanley, -he told us that he said to his Captain, "Captain, we -must either fight or go faster," adding that in his opinion -the day would have ended very differently had they -come up boldly off the mouth of the harbour and bombarded -our ships at anchor before they were able to -get out. There can be no doubt that the issue would -have been the same, but the Germans might have been -able to inflict some serious damage, especially to those -ships lying nearest the mouth of the harbour, who -would have masked the battle-cruisers' fire. However, -his Captain elected to run, so they went "faster."</p> - -<p>During the action he had to go round the ship with -the fire-master, putting out any fires that were discovered. -Whilst going his rounds during the engagement<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> -he found a stoker near one of the drinking tanks -on the mess deck, who said he had come up to get a -drink of water. The Hun Commander told him that -he had no business to leave his post, and, drawing his -revolver, shot him dead where he stood.</p> - -<p>A curious yarn is connected with Admiral Stoddart, -who was in the <i>Carnarvon</i>. He had a distant cousin -in the German Navy whom he had never met and about -whose career he had frequently been asked in years -gone by. This cousin of his was one of those saved -by the <i>Carnarvon</i>, and when he got aboard he said, -"I believe I have a cousin in one of the British ships. -His name is Stoddart." To find he was the Admiral -on board that very ship must have indeed given him -what the sailor terms "a fair knock out." He stated -that practically every man on the upper deck of the -<i>Gneisenau</i> was either killed or wounded, and that it -was a feat of the greatest difficulty to climb across the -deck, so great was the havoc wrought in all directions.</p> - -<p>Another officer, who was stationed in one of the -8.2-inch turrets, had a remarkable experience. The -turret was hit by a 12-inch shell, and he emerged the -sole survivor. He then went on to a casemate, which -was also knocked out and most of the crew killed. Trying -a third gun, he was perhaps even more fortunate, -as it was also hit by a 12-inch shell, and the same thing -happened, but shortly after the ship sank and he was -saved! This hero was a fat, young lieutenant, who apparently -drowned his sorrows the evening before he quitted -the <i>Carnarvon</i>. Before retiring to bed he stood up -in the mess, drink in hand, bowed blandly to everyone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> -and said, with a broad smile on his fat face, "Gentlemen, -I thank you very much—you have been very -kind to me, and I wish you all in Hell!"</p> - -<p>The wisdom of Admiral Sturdee's orders to the -<i>Carnarvon</i> to keep out of range of the Germans was -brought home by an officer survivor of the <i>Gneisenau</i>, -who said that they knew they were done and had orders -"to concentrate on the <em>little</em> ship and sink her if she -came within range!"</p> - -<p>Upwards of 600 men had been killed or wounded -when the <i>Gneisenau's</i> ammunition was finally expended. -The German captain "fell-in" the remainder and told -them to provide themselves with hammocks or any -woodwork they could find, in order to support themselves -in the water.</p> - -<p>A certain number of the German sailors that were -rescued from the icy ocean succumbed to exposure and -shock, though the proportion was very small. They -were given a naval funeral with full military honours -and were buried at sea the day after the battle. When -the funeral service was about to take place on the quarter-deck -of one of our warships, the German prisoners were -told to come aft to attend it. On rounding the superstructure, -however, the leading men suddenly halted -dead, brought up aghast with fright at the sight of -the guard of armed marines falling in across the deck, -who were about to pay the last tributes of military -honours to the dead. When ordered on, these terrified -Huns point blank refused to move, being convinced -that the Marine Guard was there in order to shoot them!</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER XII</a><br /> - -<span class="small">THE END OF THE "LEIPZIG"</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verse8">"War raged in heaven that day ...</p> -<p class="verse">... Light against darkness, Liberty</p> -<p class="verse">Against all dark old despotism, unsheathed</p> -<p class="verse">The sword in that great hour."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">It will be recollected that during the chase the battle-cruisers -were firing at the <i>Leipzig</i> before the main battle -with Admiral von Spee took place. This compelled -the Germans to divide into two separate squadrons, -since a direct hit from a 12-inch gun might easily prove -fatal to one of their light-cruisers. Foreseeing that this -manœuvre was likely to occur, Admiral Sturdee had -directed the <i>Cornwall</i>, <i>Kent</i>, and <i>Glasgow</i> to follow in -pursuit. No time was lost, therefore, in giving chase -to the enemy light-cruisers when they turned off to -the S.S.E. at 1.20 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, the <i>Glasgow</i> leading the way -at 26 knots, followed by the <i>Kent</i> and the <i>Cornwall</i> -keeping neck and neck and going about 23½ knots. -The <i>Dresden</i> led the enemy light-cruisers with the <i>Leipzig</i> -and <i>Nürnberg</i> on her starboard and port quarter respectively.</p> - -<p>In the ever-increasing distance between our two -squadrons, the main battle could still be seen through -field glasses, which made the necessity for turning away -from a spectacle of such absorbing and compelling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> -interest all the more tantalising. But there was solid -work to be done, requiring concentration, thought, and -cool judgment.</p> - -<p>A stern chase is proverbially a long one, and the -difference in speed between our ships and the Germans' -was not sufficient to justify any hope of getting to -business for at least two hours, as the slowest enemy -ship was probably doing 23 knots at this time. Every -effort was now made to go as fast as possible, and the -<i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Kent</i> had quite an exciting race as they -worked up to 24 knots or slightly more—a speed actually -exceeding that realised along the measured mile when -these ships were new. The engine-room staffs on both -ships "dug out for all they were worth," and the keenest -rivalry prevailed.</p> - -<p>It was very evident that a long chase lay before us, -for the <i>Glasgow</i> was the only ship of the three that had -a marked superiority in speed to the enemy. The -<i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Kent</i> were gaining very slowly but surely -on the <i>Leipzig</i> and <i>Nürnberg</i>, but were losing on the -<i>Dresden</i>.</p> - -<p>The enemy kept edging away to port continually, -and about 2.15 we passed over the spot where later in -the day the <i>Gneisenau</i> was sunk by our battle-cruisers.</p> - -<p>About 2.45 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the positions of the ships were as -plan (<em>see</em> <a href="#Page_112">page 112</a>). The <i>Leipzig</i> was the centre -rearmost ship, with the <i>Dresden</i> some four to five -miles on her starboard bow, while the <i>Nürnberg</i> was -about a mile on her port bow. Both these ships were -diverging slightly from the <i>Leipzig</i>, spreading out in -the shape of a fan to escape being brought to action.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> -The <i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Kent</i> were some eleven miles astern -of the <i>Leipzig</i>, and the <i>Glasgow</i> was four miles distant -on the starboard bow.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i130.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><em>Diagram showing position at 2.45 p.m.<br /> -weather conditions not so good wind and rain from N.W.</em></div> -</div> - -<p>As the <i>Glasgow</i> drew ahead she edged over to starboard -in the direction of the <i>Dresden</i>. About 3 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> -she opened fire with her two 6-inch guns on the <i>Leipzig</i> -at 12,000 yards, in the hope of outranging her and -reducing her speed, so that the <i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Kent</i> might -come into action. The <i>Leipzig</i>, however, held on her -course, and replied to the <i>Glasgow's</i> fire, though it was -evident that she was at the limit of her gun range. -The firing was spasmodic and not very effective.</p> - -<p>The <i>Glasgow's</i> speed was so much superior to that -of the enemy that she soon closed the range very appreciably, -and the <i>Leipzig</i> was seen to straddle her with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> -her salvoes on more than one occasion. The <i>Glasgow</i> -therefore altered course outwards, at the same time -firing her after 6-inch gun, and then, having opened the -range, turned up on to a roughly parallel course with -the German. The duel between these ships continued -intermittently.</p> - -<p>The <i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Kent</i> were still keeping fairly level, -and had closed in to a distance of about half a mile -from one another. The chase continued, each minute -seeming an age, as the range-finders registered the slowly -diminishing distance of the enemy. The crews watched -the proceedings from the forecastles with the greatest -interest; now and again a half-smothered cheer would -break out when the <i>Glasgow's</i> shots fell perilously near -the mark. When the bugle sounded "Action," the -men responded with a spontaneous cheer as they rushed -off at the double to their appointed stations. Their -spirit was fine.</p> - -<p>Captain J. Luce, of the <i>Glasgow</i>, was the senior naval -officer of our three ships, and at 3.20 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> signalled the -<i>Cornwall</i> to ask, "Are you gaining on the enemy?" -To which a reply was made, "Yes—range now 16,000 -yards." A quarter of an hour later the <i>Glasgow</i> ceased -fire for a while. Captain W. M. Ellerton, of the <i>Cornwall</i>, -now made a signal to the <i>Kent</i>: "I will take the -centre target (<i>Leipzig</i>) if you will take the left-hand -one (<i>Nürnberg</i>), as we appear to be gaining on both of -them." The <i>Glasgow</i> again opened fire on the <i>Leipzig</i> -at 3.45, but her shots falling short, she very soon afterwards -ceased fire. At 4.6 the <i>Glasgow</i> and <i>Leipzig</i> again -fired at one another, and shortly afterwards the former<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> -was hit twice; an unlucky shot, descending at a steep -angle, killed one man and wounded four others.</p> - -<p>Captain Luce now found himself face to face with -a difficult decision, which had to be made promptly. -Was he to use his superior speed and endeavour to cut -off the <i>Dresden</i> or not? He decided to assist the <i>Cornwall</i> -and <i>Kent</i> in order to make sure of the destruction -of the <i>Leipzig</i> and <i>Nürnberg</i>. At 4.25 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Glasgow</i> -turned to starboard away from the action and took -station on the port quarter of the <i>Cornwall</i>, who had -by that time come into action with the <i>Leipzig</i>.</p> - -<p>During this period the <i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Kent</i> had been -gaining fairly rapidly on the <i>Leipzig</i> and slowly on the -<i>Nürnberg</i>, though losing on the <i>Dresden</i>, who was easily -the fastest of the three German light-cruisers. The -latter kept edging away gradually to starboard, outdistancing -her pursuers, and finally made good her -escape without firing a single shot.</p> - -<p>At a quarter past four the <i>Cornwall</i> and the <i>Kent</i> -opened fire on the <i>Leipzig</i> almost simultaneously at a -range of 10,900 yards. The effect of this was that the -German altered course slightly to starboard and was -followed by the <i>Cornwall</i>, while the <i>Kent</i> went after -the <i>Nürnberg</i>, as had been arranged.</p> - -<p>The <i>Leipzig</i> now directed her fire on to the <i>Cornwall</i>. -At the outset we were astounded to find that her projectiles -were falling over us at this distance, but she -soon found this out, and most of her splashes were -well short for some minutes. As the range diminished -the firing became more accurate, and it was possible -to judge of its effect. It was not till 4.22 that the <i>Cornwall</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> -scored her first visible hit, which carried away the -enemy's fore-topmast, killing the gunnery lieutenant -and disabling the fire control. The enemy thereupon -altered course away slightly to starboard, at which we -made a bigger turn in the same direction, so as to cut -him off, as well as to cross his course the more rapidly -in the event of his dropping mines overboard. This -manœuvre brought the range down to 8,275 yards at -4.56, when he scored some hits. Captain Ellerton then -turned away to starboard to give the enemy a broadside, -at the same time opening the range, which completely -upset the accuracy of the <i>Leipzig's</i> fire.</p> - -<p>The <i>Glasgow</i> took up her self-appointed station on -the port quarter of the <i>Cornwall</i> (<em>see</em> Plan, <a href="#Page_112">p. 112</a>), and -the action developed into a running fight between our -two ships and the <i>Leipzig</i>, who concentrated her fire on -the <i>Cornwall</i>, which, however, had superior armament:</p> - -<div class="center small"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr><td class="tdl pad3 wd25"><em>Name</em></td><td class="tdc wd15"><em>Tonnage</em></td><td class="tdr wd20"><em>Armament</em></td><td class="tdr wd15"><em>Speed</em></td><td class="tdr wd20"><em>Completion</em></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Cornwall</i></td><td class="tdc">9,800</td><td class="tdr padr1">14—6"</td><td class="tdr">23.68</td><td class="tdr padr2">1904</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Glasgow</i></td><td class="tdc">4,800</td><td class="tdr padr1">2—6"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr padr1">10—4"</td><td class="tdr padr1">25.8</td><td class="tdr padr2">1900</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Leipzig</i></td><td class="tdc">3,200</td><td class="tdr">10—4.1"</td><td class="tdr padr1">23.5</td><td class="tdr padr2">1906</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="5">From "Brassey's Naval Annual."</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p>Mist and a light drizzling rain now set in, so -we broke into independent firing on account of the -difficulty of spotting the fall of shot. The range -opened to 9,800 yards, and still we were being hit, -which clearly showed the efficiency of the German -4.1-inch gun. Our course soon took us out of range, -so we again turned towards the enemy, ceasing fire -from 5.12 to 5.29 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> This was analogous to the interval -that occurred in the battle-cruisers' action, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> -is significant; both took place on the same day, and -both were due to the same cause—namely, the idea of -making full use of the heavier armament in our ships, -and thus eliminating the risk of incurring unnecessary -casualties.</p> - -<p>Shortly after 5.30 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Cornwall</i> was hit no fewer -than nine times in as many minutes at a range of over -9,000 yards, so course was again altered to starboard, -a broadside being fired as the ship turned. We continued -these tactics, closing in and firing the foremost -group of guns and then turning out again as soon as -we had got in too close, at the same time getting in -broadside fire, by which we managed to score a number -of hits with common shell.</p> - -<p>Fire was checked at 5.46, slow salvoes being resorted -to on account of the difficulties of spotting. At this -time a heavy thud was felt forward, which made the -whole ship quiver; a shell had landed in the paint room, -where it burst and made rather a mess of things. No -material damage resulted, and there was fortunately -no fire. At 6.15 we started using lyddite instead of -common shell, having again decreased the range. The -result was stupendous, the dark smoke and flash caused -by those projectiles as they struck could be plainly -seen, and not long afterwards the enemy was on fire. -His return fire began to slacken appreciably, though -he still managed to get a hit every now and again. Captain -Ellerton decided to close and went in to nearly -7,000 yards, turning and letting the German have it -from the port broadside.</p> - -<p>It was now 6.35, and the news came through by wire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>less -from the flagship that the <i>Scharnhorst</i> and <i>Gneisenau</i> -had been sunk. It passed round the ship like lightning, -even penetrating the watertight bulkheads in some -miraculous manner, and cheered up all hands tremendously.</p> - -<p>Keeping the range between 7,000 and 8,000 yards, -our ships continued to do great damage, and at 6.51 -the enemy was seen to be badly on fire forward. In -spite of this he continued to fire with great spirit, and -even registered a few hits between 6.55 and 7.45 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> -Then his firing stopped completely, and it was observed -that he was on fire the whole length of the ship. The -scuttles showed up like a series of blood-red dots gleaming -from the ship's side, the whole of the foremost funnel -and part of the centre one had disappeared, the upper -works were severely damaged, while smoke was issuing -here and there. The ship, indeed, presented a sorry -spectacle.</p> - -<p>All this time the <i>Glasgow</i>, which was still on the -quarter of the <i>Cornwall</i>, had also been busily engaged -with the <i>Leipzig</i>, but at a greater range.</p> - -<p>We ceased firing at 7.10, thinking that the enemy -would strike his colours; but not a bit of it, so three -minutes later we reopened fire with reluctance, though -only for a couple of minutes. We closed in to 4,700 yards, -turning 16 points in order to keep well out of torpedo -range, and gave him a few more salvoes of lyddite -with our starboard guns. The light was beginning to -wane, and though twilight is very prolonged in these -southern regions during the summer, it would soon have -been too dark to see through the telescopic sights. At<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> -7.43 an explosion took place on board the <i>Leipzig</i>; -three minutes later the mainmast went slowly over, -and finally collapsed with a crash. We waited to give -her an opportunity to haul down her colours and -surrender, and then opened fire again just before 8 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> -At last, at 8.12, the Germans sent up two green -lights as signals of distress, at which we both immediately -closed in, stopped, and proceeded to get out -boats. Darkness fell rapidly, and searchlights were -turned on to the enemy, lighting up the ghastly scene -where men could be seen jumping clear of the ship -into the icy-cold water. The <i>Leipzig</i> was heeled over -to port, almost on her beam ends; she only had a -bit of one funnel left, and all the after part of the ship -was in flames. The fire on her forecastle had also -burst into flame. Thick clouds of white steam -escaping, showed up against the dense black smoke, -and increased the dramatic effect. Our little boats -became visible in the beams of the searchlights, as they -rowed round to pick up survivors. At 9.21 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> a -shower of sparks suddenly announced an explosion, -directly after which the <i>Leipzig</i> foundered. Several of -our boats were holed, and we only succeeded in saving -six officers and nine men between the two of us, all -of whom, however, survived the extreme cold. They -told us that before the ship was abandoned the Kingston -valves had been opened.</p> - -<p>No further casualties had occurred on board the -<i>Glasgow</i> since those already mentioned, as after joining -the <i>Cornwall</i> she had not come under direct fire, although -some projectiles intended for the latter did hit her.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> -The <i>Cornwall</i> was even more fortunate in having no -casualties at all except for a solitary pet canary, in -spite of having eighteen direct hits not counting splinter -holes, of which there were forty-two in one funnel alone. -This absence of casualties, which was also a feature -of the battle-cruiser action, speaks for the efficient -handling of the ship by Captain Ellerton.</p> - -<p>Survivors stated that von Spee was originally going -direct to the Plate to coal, but that having captured -a sailing vessel full of coal at Cape Horn, he changed -his plans and decided to attack the Falkland Islands. -It was also stated that the <i>Leipzig</i> had a large amount -of gold on board.</p> - -<p>One of the survivors rescued by the <i>Cornwall</i> was -a naval reservist, who in time of peace had occupied -the post of German interpreter to the Law Courts at -Sydney, in Australia. When hauled into the boat the first -words he used as soon as he had recovered his breath -were: "It's bloody cold" in a perfect English accent. -It is a well-known fact that sailors rarely make use of -bad language, and the bowman who had hauled him -out of the water is said to have fainted! Evidently the -language of the Law leaves much to be desired.</p> - -<p>The torpedo lieutenant of the <i>Leipzig</i> was amongst -those saved by the <i>Cornwall</i>. When brought alongside -he was too exhausted to clamber up the ship's side -unaided, but when he reached the upper deck he pulled -himself together and stood to attention, saluting our -officers at the gangway. When he came into the wardroom -later on he explained that he had been on board -before as a guest at dinner at the time that the ship<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> -paid a visit to Kiel for the regatta in 1909, adding that -he little expected then that his next visit would take -place under such tragic circumstances.</p> - -<p>This officer surprised us all by suddenly asking when -the <i>Cornwall</i> had had bigger guns put into her, and -went on to say that when we fired our "big guns"—meaning -when we started to use lyddite shell—the -damage was appalling, arms and legs were to be seen -all along the decks, and each shell that burst started -a fire. He went on to say that the <i>Cornwall's</i> firing -was very effective and accurate, but doubtless most -of the prisoners told their captors the same thing. We -explained that the armament had not been changed -since the ship was originally built. He also told us -that the German captain had assembled all the ship's -company when their 1,800 rounds of ammunition were -expended, and said, "There is the ensign, and any man -who wishes may go and haul it down, but I will not -do so." Not a soul moved to carry out the suggestion, -but about fifty men, having obtained permission, jumped -overboard and must have perished from the cold. -There were only eighteen left alive on board at the -end, so far as he could judge, and of these sixteen -were saved. All the officers carried whistles, which -accounted for their being located in the water so -easily.</p> - -<p>The prisoners naturally wished to glorify themselves, -their captain, and their shipmates in the eyes of their -fellow-countrymen, before whom they knew that these -stories would eventually be repeated. Therefore these -yarns about the ensign, the men jumping overboard,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> -and the opening of the Kingston valves must be taken -with a grain of salt.</p> - -<p>The <i>Cornwall</i> had one or two interesting examples -of the damage done to a ship by modern high-explosive -shell. The most serious was a shell that must have -exploded on the water-line, as the ship was rolling, -for the side was afterwards found to be indented -5 inches at a position 5 to 6 feet below the water-line, -and consequently below the armoured belt, a cross -bulkhead being at the precise point of impact. Curious -as it may appear, even the paint was untouched, and -there was no sign of a direct hit from outboard, except -for the bulge that remained and the starting of a good -many rivets from their sockets. The cross bulkhead -behind was buckled up like corrugated iron, and the -two coal bunkers, which had been empty, were flooded, -giving the ship a heavy list. When we got into Port -William we managed to heel the ship sufficiently to -enable our carpenters to get at the leak, and they succeeded -in completely stopping it in two days, working -day and night—a fine performance, for which Mr. -Egford, the carpenter, received the D.S.C., whilst his -staff were personally congratulated by the Commander-in-Chief.</p> - -<p>Another shell passed through the steel depression -rail of the after 6-inch turret, by which it was deflected -through the deck at the junction of two cabin bulkheads; -it next penetrated the deck below and finally -burst on the ship's side, causing a large hole. An amusing -incident was connected with this. The projectile -cut a fire-hose in half, the business end of which was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> -carried down the hole into one of the officer's cabins, -where it continued to pump in water for the remainder -of the action. At the end of the day this officer found -all his belongings, including his full dress and cocked -hat, floating about in two or three feet of water.</p> - -<p>Another officer was seated on a box in the ammunition -passage waiting for the wounded, when a shell -struck the ship's side close by him, the concussion -knocking him off. Getting up, he saw the doctor near -by, and thought he had kicked him, so asked him angrily -what the blazes he thought he was doing. It was not -until after a long and heated argument that he could -be persuaded to believe that he had not been the victim -of a practical joke.</p> - -<p>In another case a shell shot away the fire main immediately -above one of the stokeholds, which was flooded. -Stoker Petty Officer W. A. Townsend and Stoker John -Smith were afterwards both decorated with the D.S.M. -for "keeping the boiler fires going under very trying -circumstances."</p> - -<p>It was mentioned before that some ships had leave -to open up their machinery for repairs. The <i>Cornwall</i> -was to have steam at six hours' notice, and had the low-pressure -cylinder of the port engine opened up and -in pieces for repairs when the signal to raise steam -was made. Chief Engine Room Artificer J. G. Hill -was awarded the D.S.M. "for his smart performance -in getting the port engine, which was disconnected, -into working order." It will have been noticed that -the ship was steaming 20 knots two and a half hours -after the signal to raise steam. This was a remark<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>able -performance, and reflected great credit on her entire -engineering staff.</p> - -<p>A signalman, Frank Glover, was given the D.S.M. -for "carrying out his duties of range-taker in a very -cool manner during the whole of the action." He was -in an entirely exposed position on the fore upper bridge.</p> - -<p>More has been said about the part taken by the -<i>Cornwall</i>, as the writer was on board her, and most of -the incidents described came under his personal observation. -They are, however, typical of the conduct of the -officers and men in the other ships that took part.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER XIII</a><br /> - -<span class="small">THE SINKING OF THE "NÜRNBERG"</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verse10">"While England, England rose,</p> -<p class="verse">Her white cliffs laughing out across the waves,</p> -<p class="verse">Victorious over all her enemies."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">We must now go back to the commencement of the -action with the <i>Leipzig</i>. At 4.30 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, in accordance -with a signal made by the <i>Cornwall</i>, the <i>Kent</i> branched -off in pursuit of the <i>Nürnberg</i> and was soon out of sight.</p> - -<p>Thus a third fight developed through the high speed -attained by the <i>Kent</i>, which enabled her to catch up -and force action on the <i>Nürnberg</i>. The following -description has been largely compiled from a narrative -written by an officer in the <i>Kent</i>, while from -the particulars undernoted concerning the ships two -important features stand out: the speed of the two -ships was nearly equal, and the German was built five -years later than her opponent, and therefore should have -been able to maintain her speed with less difficulty.</p> - -<div class="center small"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr><td class="tdl pad3 wd25"><em>Name</em></td><td class="tdc wd20"><em>Tonnage</em></td><td class="tdr"><em>Armament</em></td><td class="tdr wd20"><em>Speed</em></td><td class="tdr"><em>Completion</em></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Kent</i></td><td class="tdc">9,800</td><td class="tdr padr1">14—6"</td><td class="tdr">23.7</td><td class="tdr padr2">1903</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Nürnberg</i></td><td class="tdc">3,396</td><td class="tdr">10—4.1"</td><td class="tdr">23.5</td><td class="tdr padr2">1908</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdr"></td><td class="tdr">8—2.1"</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="5">"Brassey's Naval Annual."</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p>In the course of the afternoon the weather -became misty, so that it seemed imperative to get to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> -close quarters as rapidly as possible. That this was -fully realised and acted upon is shown by what was -written by an officer in the <i>Kent</i>: "In the last hour -of the chase, helped by a light ship and a clean bottom, -by the most determined stoking, by unremitting attention -to her no longer youthful boilers—in short, by -the devotion of every officer and man in the engine and -boiler rooms, the <i>Kent</i> achieved the remarkable speed -of 25 knots."</p> - -<p>Both ships were steering a south-easterly course -at 5 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> when the <i>Kent</i> got within range of the <i>Nürnberg</i>, -which opened fire with her stern guns. The chase -had in all lasted nearly seven hours, so the sound of -the enemy's guns proved doubly welcome, since it -brought home the fact that the German was now trapped. -The fall of the enemy's shot was awaited with that -eagerness combined with anxiety which only those -who have undergone the experience can fully realise. -Accurate ranges were hard to take on account of the -abnormal vibration caused by the speed at which the -ship was travelling, but it was expected that the enemy's -first salvoes would fall short. But not a sign was to be -seen anywhere of these projectiles. Where, then, had -they gone?</p> - -<p>Officers glanced round the horizon to make quite -certain that the enemy was not firing at another ship, -but nothing else was in sight. A light, drizzling rain -was falling, so that it was not till the third salvo that -the splashes were discovered astern of the ship. This -bore out the experience of the <i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Glasgow</i>, -which had also been astonished at the long range of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> -German 4.1" gun, which is said to be sighted up to -12 kilometres (13,120 yards).</p> - -<p>Nine minutes after (5.9) the <i>Kent</i> opened fire at -11,000 yards with her fore turret, but the shots fell -short. Altering course slightly to port, she was able -to bring her two foremost 6-inch on the starboard side -to bear, making four guns in all. The light was poor, -and both ships had difficulty in seeing well enough to -correct the gun range at this distance. Thus this opening -stage of the combat was not very fruitful of results -as far as could be judged, though survivors subsequently -stated that the <i>Kent</i> scored two effective hits, one of -which penetrated the after steering flat below the waterline -and killed all the men in it with one exception. -On the other hand, the enemy (missing mainly for deflection) -only got in one hit during the same period.</p> - -<p>About 5.35 two boilers of the <i>Nürnberg</i> burst in -quick succession, apparently from excess of pressure -due to her strenuous efforts to escape. This reduced -her speed to 19 knots, when all hope of averting disaster, -even with the aid of several lucky shots, was shattered -at one fell swoop. The <i>Kent</i> now gained very rapidly on -her opponent, and all anxiety as to the chase being -prolonged until dark was dispelled.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i145.jpg" alt="" /> -<p class="right xs">The Mappa Co. Ltd London</p> -<div class="caption"><em>Plan of action between H.M.S. "KENT" -and German Light Cruiser "NÜRNBERG" -off FALKLAND ISLANDS December 8<sup>th</sup> 1914</em></div> -</div> - -<p>Realising the hopelessness of continuing the attempt -to escape, the German decided to fight it out, and -altered course ten minutes later 90 degrees to port (<em>see</em> -<a href="#Page_127">Plan</a>). The <i>Kent</i> turned about 70 degrees to port, -so that both ships were on converging courses, and -able to bring every gun on the broadside to bear. The -running fight was over, and the action developed during<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> -the ensuing quarter of an hour into as fierce a duel as -it is possible to imagine, with the range rapidly decreasing -from 6,000 to 3,000 yards and all guns firing -in succession, keeping up one continuous thunder. The -<i>Kent</i> now started using her lyddite shell. As was only -to be expected, a good deal of damage resulted. In -a very short time a fire broke out near the German's -mainmast, followed a little later by the fall of her -main-topmast, which bent gracefully forward like a -sapling, and then fell with a crash. Both ships were -firing their guns independently, not in salvoes, and -in consequence the sequence of the discharges was -almost unbroken. A fearful din resulted, which was -as loud as it was penetrating, and soon began to have -an irritating effect on the nerves. The incessant clanging -and clashing jarred horribly and gave the impression -that the ship was being continually hit; in fact, those -below began to think that matters were not going too -well from the constant concussions and severe jolts -that were felt, until they were reassured by the optimistic -and cheering bits of news passed down through the -voice-pipes. The <i>Kent's</i> fore-topgallant-mast now suddenly -fell over, fortunately remaining suspended in midair -by the stays; a chance shot had cut right through -the heel.</p> - -<p>From the rate of fire maintained at such a short -range it was patent that matters would soon be brought -to a finish so far as the <i>Nürnberg</i> was concerned. By -6.5 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> her fore-topmast had disappeared, she was on -fire in two or three places, and her speed was still further -reduced. She turned away, as if to escape such heavy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> -punishment, the details of which could be plainly observed -at this short distance. Her upper deck was a -veritable shambles, and most of the guns' crews, only -protected by gun shields, had been killed. In the -words of one of the <i>Kent's</i> officers, "her foretop and -foremost funnel were so riddled that they appeared to -be covered with men"; the torn and twisted steel -sticking out in every direction caused this paradoxical -illusion. Only two of her guns on the port side remained -in action.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, the <i>Kent</i> herself had by no means -come out unscathed. In addition to the hits already -mentioned, there were many more that had struck the -ship's side and boat deck on the starboard side, but no -fires of consequence had taken place, nor had there been -any hits on the water-line of a vital character. One -of the enemy's shells burst just outside the midship -casemate situated on the main deck. Only fragments -entered, but there were ten casualties, most of them -burns; one man was killed instantly, and he remained -in the same position after death with arms bent for -holding a cordite charge. A small fire was caused, and -the flames passed down the ammunition hoist to the -passage below, igniting a charge which was hooked on -ready to be hoisted. Had it not been for the prompt -action of Sergeant Charles Mayes, of the Royal Marines, -complete destruction might easily have followed. With -the greatest presence of mind, he immediately isolated -the cordite charges in the vicinity, closed the sliding -scuttle in the hoist, and at the same time ordered his -men to run for the nearest hoses to flood the compart<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>ment. -The fire was extinguished before it could get a -hold, and for this brave deed he was awarded the Conspicuous -Gallantry Medal and an annuity of £20.</p> - -<p>The <i>Nürnberg</i> executed a sudden and unexpected -manœuvre at 6.10 by turning inwards as if about to -ram her opponent. Continuing the turn, however, she -eventually passed astern of the <i>Kent</i> and brought her -starboard guns into play for the first time. During this -manœuvre, and while in an end-on position, two of our -shells burst almost simultaneously on her forecastle, -causing a fire and putting the guns there out of action.</p> - -<p>In reply to this manœuvre the <i>Kent</i> turned to a nearly -opposite course. It will be realised from the plan that -the <i>Kent</i> was travelling well over twice as fast as her -opponent at this time, and that her port guns were now -brought into action. The courses of both ships were again -roughly parallel, the <i>Kent</i> taking care to avoid getting -on the beam of the <i>Nürnberg</i>, which would have afforded -the latter an opportunity of using her torpedoes.</p> - -<p>From now on the distance between the two ships -gradually increased.</p> - -<p>The German's fire was very spasmodic, and it was -evident that she could not last much longer. By 6.25 -her engines were apparently stopped, for she was barely -moving through the water. She was now badly battered -and scarcely recognisable as the ship of an hour -and a half before. The <i>Kent</i> had to turn right round -again to keep somewhere near her, and continued to fire -at her with devastating effect.</p> - -<p>At 6.36 the enemy ceased fire altogether, the <i>Kent</i> -followed suit, and for a short while awaited develop<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>ments. -Being now on fire all along her fore part, the -German ship looked a complete wreck, and showed -not a vestige of life as she lay helpless on the water. -She had a list, and was at a dead standstill. In vain -the <i>Kent</i> waited for her to strike her colours, and so, as -she showed no signs of sinking, opened fire once more, -slowly closing and keeping well before her beam, firing -at her with all guns that would bear. Not till 6.57 did -she haul down her colours, whereupon all firing ceased.</p> - -<p>On examination it was found that nearly all the -<i>Kent's</i> boats were splintered or smashed up by the -enemy's fire, and there were only two that could be -temporarily patched up in a short space of time. While -the necessary repairs were in progress, the <i>Nürnberg</i>, -which had been heeling over more and more, turned over -on her starboard side, and in a deathlike silence disappeared -beneath the surface at 7.27 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> Captain -J. D. Allen, in Writing of his Men, says, "No sooner had -she sunk than the <i>Kent's</i> men displayed the same zeal -and activity in endeavouring to save life as they had -done in fighting the ship. Boats were hastily repaired -and lowered, manned by men eagerly volunteering to -help. Unfortunately, the sea was rough and the water -very cold, so we only succeeded in picking up twelve -men, of whom five subsequently died." The search -for the survivors was continued till 9 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> It is said -that even the living were attacked by albatrosses.</p> - -<p>While the ship was sinking a few German seamen -gathered at the stern and waved their ensign to and -fro before going down with the ship.</p> - -<p>The <i>Kent</i> was hit thirty-seven times altogether, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> -suffered no damage affecting her seaworthiness. Her -wireless telegraphy transmitting instruments were -smashed to pieces by a shell, which passed through -the wireless office. She was thus unable to report the -result of her action, and caused the Commander-in-Chief -some anxiety regarding her fate. The receiving -instruments, however, were intact, so all the wireless -signals made by the Commander-in-Chief inquiring as -to her whereabouts were taken in and read, though -she was powerless to reply. The upper works on the -starboard side presented a sorry spectacle, but the -armour, though hit, was unpierced. Only two shots -burst against the unarmoured part of the ship's side, -one making a hole about four feet square just before -the foremost starboard 6-inch gun on the main deck, -and the other a hole of about equal size on the same -side immediately below the after shelter deck.</p> - -<p>A German officer who was saved said that they had -heard by wireless that the British had "blown up the -harbour" at the Falklands, and had fled to the west -coast of Africa! He also stated that the <i>Nürnberg</i> -had not been refitted for three years, and that her -boilers were in a very bad state, which was borne out -by some of them having burst during the chase.</p> - -<p>Each seaman 6-inch gun's crew had five Royal Naval -Reservemen in it, and their conduct speaks volumes for -the all-round efficiency of the men that the Navy has -drawn from the Reserve during the War.</p> - -<p>The total casualties in the <i>Kent</i> amounted to 16 men, -5 of whom were killed, whilst 3 of the wounded afterwards -died of their wounds.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p> - -<p>Commander Wharton, of the <i>Kent</i>, gives a remarkably -realistic description of the closing scenes: "It -was strange and weird all this aftermath, the wind -rapidly arising from the westward, darkness closing -in, one ship heaving to the swell, well battered, the -foretop-gallant-mast gone. Of the other, nothing to -be seen but floating wreckage, with here and there a -man clinging, and the 'molly-hawks' swooping by. -The wind moaned, and death was in the air. Then, see! -Out of the mist loomed a great four-masted barque -under full canvas. A great ghost-ship she seemed. -Slowly, majestically, she sailed by and vanished in -the night." This was the same ghost-ship that had -appeared in the middle of the action fought by the -battle-cruisers—a very fitting apparition, which upholds -the legend that one always appears at a British -naval engagement. Meeting one of the officers of this -sailing vessel later on in the Dardanelles, it was revealed -that she had been out at sea so long that she was unaware -that war had even been declared, until she suddenly -found herself a spectator of two naval actions -on the same day.</p> - -<p>A silk ensign, presented to the ship by the ladies -of Kent, was torn to ribbons in the course of the day. -The pieces, however, were carefully collected by Captain -J. D. Allen, and returned to the donors, who sewed -them together. This ensign now hangs in Canterbury -Cathedral. A new silk ensign was given to the ship -by the ladies of the county of Kent, and was hoisted -on the first anniversary of the battle, December 8th, -1915.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER XIV</a><br /> - -<span class="small">AFTERMATH</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verse14">... "England</p> -<p class="verse">Grasped with sure hands the sceptre of the sea,</p> -<p class="verse">That untamed realm of liberty which none</p> -<p class="verse">Had looked upon as aught but wilderness</p> -<p class="verse">Ere this, or even dreamed of as the seat</p> -<p class="verse">Of power and judgment and high sovereignty</p> -<p class="verse">Whereby all nations at the last should make</p> -<p class="verse">One brotherhood, and war should be no more."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">The battle of the Falkland Islands was, perhaps, more -like the old-time naval engagements fought by sailing -ships of the line than any other naval battle that is -likely to take place nowadays. There were no submarines, -no destroyers, no aeroplanes or Zeppelins, nor -any other of the manifold death-dealing devices that -tend to make war so much more hideous than in days -gone by. In a word, it was open fighting. Not a -torpedo was fired. Not even a mine was dropped, -if the survivors who stated that the German ships did -not carry them can be believed. There were a few -anxious moments when zinc cases were seen floating -on the surface ahead, glistening in the sunlight, but -they turned out to be empty cartridge cases that the -enemy had dropped overboard.</p> - -<p>There were three very general feelings that followed -on after the battle: firstly, that we had at last been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> -able to achieve something of real value; secondly, that -it was quite as good as a fortnight's leave (the most -one usually gets in the Navy); and thirdly, that the -war would now soon be over. In a similar manner, -after a local success on land, the soldiers at the beginning -of the war frequently hoped that it might bring -matters to a conclusion. Thus do local events in war -assume an exaggerated importance.</p> - -<p>There can be no two opinions as to the decisive -nature of this battle. In the course of a single day, -the whole of this German squadron, together with two -colliers, had been destroyed with the exception of the -light cruiser <i>Dresden</i>. A comparison of the difference in -the casualties points not only to its decisiveness, but also -to the success of Admiral Sturdee's dispositions and -methods of bringing the enemy to action. It was a -strategic victory.</p> - -<p>The German Admiral found himself very much in -the same position as Admiral Cradock at Coronel, with -one important difference. Cradock sought action despite -the many odds against him, whereas von Spee -tried to run when he found he was outclassed. -Sir Henry Newbolt puts the proposition admirably. -After remarking that running is the game of the losing -side, he says, "You have only to consider what it would -have been worth to Germany to have had a Cradock -flying his flag in the <i>Scharnhorst</i> on that December 8th. -You can imagine him, when the great battle-cruisers -came out of harbour, signalling, 'I am going to attack -the enemy now,' and going straight to meet them at -full speed. Their steam was not yet up—he could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> -have closed them then and there. What a fight that -would have been! No impotent scattering flight, no -hours of burning misery, with ships turning this way -and that, to bring their guns to bear upon an enemy -beyond their reach; but a desperate short-range action -with every shot telling—a chance of dealing the enemy -a heavy blow before the end, and the certainty of leaving -a great tradition to the Service."</p> - - -<p class="p2">Directly the <i>Gneisenau</i> was sunk, wireless signals -were made by the Commander-in-Chief asking where -the <i>Dresden</i> was last seen, and in what direction she -was heading at that time. It will be recollected that -she had the speed of our armoured cruisers and got clean -away without firing a single round, having been last -seen by the <i>Glasgow</i> steering away to the S.S.W. -Later signals were made calling up the <i>Kent</i>, as no one -knew what had happened to her, since she was last -seen going after the <i>Nürnberg</i>. These calls were repeated -again and again without result on account of -her damaged wireless, and it was not till the afternoon -of the following day that all anxieties were allayed by -the <i>Kent</i> arriving at Port William, bringing with her -the news of another brilliant success.</p> - -<p>The problem of the moment, therefore, was to complete -the victory by rounding up the <i>Dresden</i> as soon -as possible. Should she escape now and take refuge -in one of the innumerable inlets or channels that abound -in the unsurveyed localities of the southern part of -South America, clearly it would be a matter of great -difficulty to catch her. With his characteristic energy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> -Admiral Sturdee did not lose a moment in following up -his victory. The <i>Carnarvon</i> was despatched to escort the -<i>Orama</i> and colliers coming south from the base to Port -Stanley. The two battle-cruisers <i>Invincible</i> and <i>Inflexible</i> -proceeded with all haste to Staten Island, and thence made -a careful search for the <i>Dresden</i> in the numerous bays -around Tierra del Fuego. The <i>Glasgow</i> was ordered to the -Straits of Magellan in the hope that she might intercept -her, whilst the <i>Bristol</i> searched for both the <i>Dresden</i> and -the <i>Kent</i> to the southward of the Falklands. Owing -to lack of coal, the <i>Cornwall</i> was obliged to return to -harbour, and was the first ship to arrive there on December -9th; she was followed shortly afterwards by the <i>Kent</i>.</p> - -<p>During the night of December 8th a thick fog came -on, which made the navigation of those of our ships -endeavouring to make land no easy matter. Magnetic -compasses are apt to be considerably affected by gun-fire, -and consequently the dead-reckoning positions of -our ships were by no means to be relied upon, and were -not sufficiently accurate to give confidence in approaching -an indented coast like the east side of the Falklands.</p> - -<p>Sad to relate, not a vestige of the <i>Dresden</i> was seen by -any of our ships that were scattered in the search for her. -She was careful to abstain from using her wireless, even -though there must have been several German supply -ships in the vicinity who would urgently require to be -informed of the annihilation of their squadron. This -quest entailed travelling at high speed, so shortage of -coal and oil fuel forced our ships to return one by one. -By the evening of December 11th the whole squadron -had once again reassembled at the Falklands.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p> - -<p>Congratulations now poured in from all parts of -the world, and were promulgated by the Commander-in-Chief. -The Governor of the Falkland Islands, the Hon. -William Allardyce, C.M.G., visited the flagship and -congratulated Admiral Sturdee, together with the whole -of our squadron, in glowing terms on behalf of the -colony. Admiral Sturdee issued an interesting Memorandum, -which is given <i lang="la" xml:lang="la">in toto</i>, calling attention to -the urgent necessity for completing the victory by -running the <i>Dresden</i> to earth. These messages are -given in Part III.</p> - -<p>Casualties in any decisive modern naval engagement -are frequently very one-sided, one fleet suffering -enormous losses whilst the other escapes with -comparative immunity. This battle proved no exception -to this rule. In the British squadron, the -<i>Invincible</i> and <i>Cornwall</i> had no casualties, though -they both had a big share of hits. The <i>Carnarvon</i> -and <i>Bristol</i> were untouched. The <i>Inflexible</i> had 1 -man killed and 3 slightly wounded. The <i>Glasgow</i> -had 1 man killed and 4 wounded through a single unlucky -shot. The heaviest casualties occurred in the -<i>Kent</i>, who had 5 men killed and 11 wounded, 3 of whom -subsequently succumbed to their wounds; most of -these were caused by the bursting of one shell. She -was hit thirty-seven times, and went in to a much -closer range than the remainder of our ships. The -squadron, therefore, incurred a total loss of 10 men -killed and 15 wounded, whilst the Germans lost some -2,260 men all told. The crews of their ships totalled -2,432 officers and men, and were estimated as follows:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p> - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Scharnhorst</i></td><td class="tdl">872</td><td class="tdl"><i>Gneisenau</i></td><td class="tdl">835</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><i>Nürnberg</i></td><td class="tdl">384</td><td class="tdl"><i>Leipzig</i></td><td class="tdl">341</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p>The prize bounty amounted to the sum of £12,160, -to be divided amongst the officers and crews of the -<i>Invincible</i>, <i>Inflexible</i>, <i>Carnarvon</i>, <i>Cornwall</i>, <i>Kent</i>, and -<i>Glasgow</i>, being calculated at the usual rate of £5 per -head. In the course of the Prize Court proceedings -the following reference to the German Admiral Count -von Spee was made in regard to his action at Coronel: -"Whatever others might have thought of this twist -of the lion's tail, it appeared that the German Admiral -was under no delusion.... It was perhaps as well -to put on record that the German Admiral, when he -took his fleet into Valparaiso, refused to drink the toast -of 'Damnation to the British Navy,' and apparently -had a premonition that his end was very near."</p> - -<p>The prisoners of war were all sent home in the <i>Macedonia</i> -and the storeship <i>Crown of Galicia</i>, but not before -Admiral Sturdee had given them to understand in the -firmest possible manner that if any man was found -tampering with the ship's fittings, or was discovered -out of that portion of the ship allocated to his use, he -would be very severely dealt with.</p> - -<p>The few days spent at Port Stanley after the battle -will always live in the memory of those who were present. -They were days full of hard work, combined with -visits to friends and interesting discussions on individual -experiences. The interest of meeting, boarding, and -going over other ships to view the shot holes may be -imagined. Reports and plans had to be made out.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> -Several ships had to be heeled over to get at the damaged -part, and presented a comic appearance, the <i>Cornwall</i> -being so far over as to look positively dangerous. -All ships had to coal and were busy at it night and -day. Few will forget those night coalings—ugh!—in -a temperature of forty degrees, with a bitterly cold -wind accompanied almost invariably by occasional squalls -of hail and rain.</p> - -<p>Those cheers we gave one another will not be forgotten; -they rang true, being full of pent-up enthusiasm, -and, as Mr. John Masefield says, "went beyond the -guard of the English heart."</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, subsequent events have made it -impossible to recall this overwhelming victory without -a feeling of sadness due to the loss of the gallant <i>Invincible</i> -in the battle of Jutland. One description of -that battle says that four of her men succeeded in boarding -a raft, and as one of our ships passed, taking them -at first for Huns, the narrator adds, "The four got up -on their feet and cheered like blazes. It was the finest -thing I have ever seen." Most of her crew were lost, -but we have at least the satisfaction of knowing they -died as heroes.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER XV</a><br /> - -<span class="small">THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE SAILOR IN ACTION</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verse">"Mother and sweetheart, England; ...</p> -<p class="verse">... thy love was ever wont</p> -<p class="verse">To lift men up in pride above themselves</p> -<p class="verse">To do great deeds which of themselves alone</p> -<p class="verse">They could not; thou hast led the unfaltering feet</p> -<p class="verse">Of even thy meanest heroes down to death,</p> -<p class="verse">Lifted poor knights to many a great emprise,</p> -<p class="verse">Taught them high thoughts, and though they kept their souls</p> -<p class="verse">Lowly as little children, bidden them lift</p> -<p class="verse">Eyes unappalled by all the myriad stars</p> -<p class="verse">That wheel around the great white throne of God."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small">—<span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">The naval man is often confronted with the question: -"What does it feel like to be in an action at sea?" -This is undoubtedly very difficult to answer in anything -approaching an adequate manner. There are -various reasons for hesitancy in reply. Broadly speaking, -the answer depends on two main factors, environment -and temperament, but there are many minor points -depending on the experience, education, and character -of the man in question that at the same time vitally -affect it. An attempt to generalise, therefore, is sure -to be open to criticism. It is consequently with much -diffidence that the following ideas are set forth, in the -hope that they may assist the landsman to appreciate, -in some slight degree, the various points of view of the -officers and men who <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'fight our'">fight in our</ins> warships.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p> - -<p>There is obviously a wide difference in the outlook, -and consequently in the working of the mind, of the -man behind a gun, or in any other position where he -can see and hear how matters are progressing, and the -man buried in the bowels of the ship, who is stoking, -working machinery, or engaged in the supply of ammunition. -When once the action has begun, the former will -probably never give a moment's thought to his own safety -or that of the ship he is in, whilst the latter, during -any intervals that may occur in his work, can only -think of how things are going with his ship. Lastly, -there is a very divergent view between the man who -knows he is going into a battle such as that fought off -the Falkland Islands, where our ships possessed a marked -superiority, and the man who was present, say, at -Coronel, where the conditions were reversed.</p> - -<p>During an action, the captain of a man-of-war is -usually in the conning-tower, where he is surrounded by -several inches of steel. A good all-round view is obtained -through a slit between the roof and the walls. -From this point of vantage he can communicate with -the gunnery control positions, the gun positions, engine-rooms, -torpedo-rooms, and, in fact, with every portion -of the complex machine represented by a modern -warship. Having spent a number of years at sea, he -has frequently pictured to himself what a naval engagement -would be like, but it is very problematical whether -he has ever taken the trouble to analyse what his own -feelings would be; in any case, his imaginations were -probably both far from the reality. When approaching -the scene of action he most likely gives a passing thought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> -to his kith and kin, but his responsibility will be too great -to admit of his feelings taking hold of him, and his -thoughts will afterwards be concentrated entirely on -the work in hand. During the action he is watching -every movement with the utmost keenness, giving a -curt order where necessary as he wipes from his face -the salt water splashed up by a short projectile. His -nerves and even his muscles are strung up to a high -pitch of tensity, and he loses himself altogether in -working out the problem before him.</p> - -<p>The gunnery officer in the control position on the -foremast is, of course, in a much more exposed position; -without any armour protection to speak of. Doubtless -there flashes across his mind a hope that he will -come through without being picked off by a stray shot. -The thoughts of the men with him, and those of the -men working the range-finders, who also have practically -no protection, will probably be very similar to his. But -when approaching the enemy, all their attention is -needed to acquire as much information as possible, in -order to get an idea of his approximate course and speed. -Later, all their faculties are exercised in determining -the corrections to be made to the sights of their guns -as regards range and deflection, so as to hit the enemy, -and in giving the orders to fire.</p> - -<p>The navigation officer, notebook in hand, is with -the captain in the conning-tower, and his thoughts are -not far different. His attention is riveted on the course -of the ship and any impending manœuvre that he may -presume to be imminent or advisable. In some of the -older ships, where the quartermaster steers from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> -conning-tower, his observation is often made more irksome -by salt-water spray getting into his eyes and preventing -him from seeing the compass clearly.</p> - -<p>With the commander and others who may be below -in the ammunition passages in the depths of the ship, -the one thought obsessing the mind to the exclusion -of almost everything else will be: "What is happening, -and how are we getting on?" Passing up ammunition -is no sinecure; it is invariably a warm job down below. -Stripped to the waist, hard at it, and perspiring freely, -many a joke is cracked in much the same spirit as inspires -Tommy in the trenches. Now and again a bit -of news comes down and is passed along like lightning -from mouth to mouth. For example, in one case a -shell hits one of our ship's funnels, and it has gone by -the board with a frightful din, as if hell were suddenly -let loose; the news is passed down to the commander -in the ammunition passage, to which he cheerily replies: -"That's all right; we have plenty left, haven't we?" -Again, a shell strikes the hull of the ship, making her -quiver fore and aft and almost stop her roll; naturally -the effect of this is felt down below far more than on -deck, and though some may wonder whether it has -struck on the waterline or not, there is merely a casual -remark that the enemy is shooting a bit better.</p> - -<p>The engineer officers in the engine-rooms are constantly -going to and fro along the greasy steel floors, -watching every bearing and listening intently to every -sound of the machinery in much the same way as a -motorist listens to hear if his engine is misfiring. They, -too, are longing for news of how the fight is going on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> -as they keenly watch for any alteration of the engine-room -telegraphs, or of the hundred and one dials showing -the working of the various engines under their -charge.</p> - -<p>The stokers, stripped to a gantline, and digging out -for daylight, are in much the same position as those -passing up ammunition, save that they seldom, if ever, -get a lull in their work in which to indulge their thoughts. -Those trimming the coal in the boxlike bunkers have -perhaps the most unenviable task. Breathing in a -thick haze of coal dust, black from head to foot, they -work on at full pressure in these veritable black holes, -without the chance of hearing any news of what is -going on "up topsides."</p> - -<p>Every man in the ship is working at his appointed -station during an action—even the cooks are busy assisting -with the supply of ammunition—everyone is behind -armour, or below the waterline, with the exception -of those few whose duties do not permit of it. This fact -accounts for the comparatively few casualties in the -ships that come out the victors in a sea fight, in spite -of the tremendous havoc done by a shell bursting in -the vicinity of cast steel, which throws up multitudes -of splinter in all directions.</p> - -<p>The guns' crews are all working at their respective -weapons, sometimes wading in water if a heavy swell -falls short close to them. Yet they see the result of -their work, and every bit of damage done to the enemy -is invariably put down to the handiwork of their individual -gun. They may be said to be having the time -of their lives in a successful action. During a lull, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> -enemy's fire is heavily criticised; suggestions as to -the corrections that should be applied to his gunsights -in order to get a hit are calmly made as they watch -the splashes of his projectiles, and are as soon contradicted -by some other authority who suggests something -different. When their own ship is hit a remark is made -to the effect—"That was a good 'un!" from the coldly -calculating point of view of the expert. Unaccountable -as it may seem, during artillery fire at sea there is usually -this irrepressible desire to figure out the corrections needed -for the enemy's gunsights in order that he may register -a direct hit. Several of our naval officers testified to -this strange phenomenon at Gallipoli, when undergoing -a bombardment from Turkish forts and batteries, and -added that they were held fascinated in doing so.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, when a shell goes beyond the -ship, at the first shrill whiz-z-z overhead, one calculates -deliberately that the enemy will shortly lower his range, -and, discretion being the better part of valour, the -welcome shelter of a turret, casemate, or conning tower -is speedily sought. It is curious that if the shells are -falling short there is no such concern for the safety -of one's skin. The writer has seen a group of officers -having a spirited argument as to the corrections that -should be made to the sights of a Turkish gun whose -shell fell a few hundred yards short of the ship. It -was not till one screamed past their heads, pitching in -the water on the far side, that they thought of taking -cover. The analogy does not apparently hold good to -the same extent in the sister Service, for on terra firma -the range is registered with fair accuracy, and it is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> -usual to scuttle off to a dug-out as soon as Beachy Bill -or Long Tom opens fire.</p> - -<p>A shell from a heavy gun whistling close overhead -seems to recall something of the physical emotion experienced -as a child, when one ventured too high in a -swing. There is a sort of eerie feeling in the interior -which seems to struggle upward to one's throat, thereby -causing a throttling sensation; and this seems to take -place continuously, though it diminishes slightly as -time goes on.</p> - -<p>Another feature that is perhaps worth mentioning is -what the sailor calls "getting a cheap wash." This occurs -incessantly in a naval action, for a large shell fired at -a long range falling into the water close to a ship will -throw up a solid wall of water, often two or three hundred -feet in height, so that it is no uncommon thing -to get frequently soused. In the Falkland Islands -battle the men right up in the control tops on the masts -of the battle-cruisers complained of being unable to -work their instruments satisfactorily owing to frequent -drenchings by spray.</p> - -<p>The strain that is undergone during a naval action -can easily be imagined, though most men will agree -that they are unconscious of it at the time; it is not -until everything is over and finished with that its effects -materialise. In the Navy every officer and man bears -the burden of responsibility, and frequently it is one -upon which may depend the safety of the lives of his -shipmates. He may have to execute a manœuvre of vital -importance—close a watertight compartment, put out -a fire caused by a high explosive shell—or do any of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> -the hundred and one duties that are necessary in a -man-of-war. Newton's law of gravitation tells us that -to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. -This fundamental principle undoubtedly holds good -in the working of the human mind. The old example -that a piece of cord, gradually stretched tighter and -tighter until its limit of elasticity is attained, sags when -the force is removed, is a very good parallel indeed of -what takes place during and after action so far as the -average fighting man is concerned. His mind, and all -his faculties, have been extended to their full capacity -in concentrating on the work in hand, in seeing that -there is no sign of a hitch anywhere, in forestalling -any possible accident, and in thinking out his own line -of action in any given circumstance that may arise. -The man who has been toiling physically has also been -strung up to the highest possible pitch; the very best -that is in him has been called forth, and he has in all -probability never done better work, or striven so hard -in his life before.</p> - -<p>The bugle call "Cease fire" does not necessarily -imply that all is over; it may only mean a temporary -cessation or lull in the action; but when the "Secure" -is sounded, there is no mistaking that the fight is finished. -This is followed by the "Disperse," when all guns are -secured, ammunition returned, and all the magazines -and shell rooms locked up. Then a large number of -the men are free; orders are given to the engine-room -department regarding the speed required, enabling -some of the stokers told off as relief parties and employed -in trimming coal to be released.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p> - -<p>As a general rule, however, the guns are kept manned -and speed is not reduced after a modern naval action, -so that the number of men released from duty is comparatively -small. Perhaps the enemy is sinking, when -the seamen will be engaged in turning out boats preparatory -to saving life. The men who are unemployed -watch the sinking of an enemy ship with very different -sentiments. All experience a glow of satisfaction, and -most men will pity the poor wretches who are drowning -or clinging more or less hopelessly to floating pieces of -wreckage. A few are entirely callous, deeming such -emotions a sign of weakness in view of the many -atrocities committed by the enemy. This scarcely -applied after the battle of the Falkland Islands, where -the "Hymn of Hate" and other German propaganda -fostering feelings of enmity had not embittered men's -minds.</p> - -<p>Lastly, there comes the utter physical weariness -both of mind and body, attended by an intense longing -for food, drink, and sleep, accompanied by the pleasant -thought that the war will now soon be over. Officers -crowd into the wardroom to get a drink and something -to eat. The galley fire will be out, for the chef has been -passing up ammunition, so no hot food, tea, or cocoa -will be available for some little time. A walk round the -ship reveals men lying in all sorts of impossible postures, -too done up to bother about eating; others are crowding -round the canteen, or getting any food that they can -on the mess deck.</p> - -<p>After the battle of the Falkland Islands one of the -boy stewards who had been passing up shell during the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> -action was found in the ammunition passage, "dead -to the world," lying athwart an old washtub. There -he was, in that stale and stuffy atmosphere, in the most -uncomfortable position imaginable, fast asleep, completely -worn out from sheer exhaustion, with his head -and arms dangling over one side of the tub.</p> - -<p>A large number have to continue their labours on -watch in the engine room or on deck, in spite of having -the greatest difficulty in keeping their eyes open. The -extreme tension and strain is over, and it requires a -strong effort to resist the temptation to let things slide -and relapse into a state of inanition.</p> - -<p>That the men brace themselves to grapple with their -further duties in a spirit which allows no sign of reluctance -or fatigue to show itself, does them infinite credit. -They must look forward nevertheless to the moment when -the ship will pass safely into some harbour guarded by -net-defence from submarine attack, where all the guns' -crews are not required to be constantly awake at their -guns, and fires can be put out. Then, after coaling, -prolonged and undisturbed sleep may be indulged in -to make up for the lost hours, and "peace, perfect -peace," will reign—for a while.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER XVI</a><br /> - -<span class="small">VON SPEE'S AIMS AND HOPES</span></h3> - - -<p class="noindent">The British Public and our gallant Allies have no doubt -fully appreciated the commercial importance of the -battle of the Falkland Islands. The relief that was -thereby given to our shipping and trade not only in -South American waters, but throughout our overseas -Empire, can only be realised by those who have large -interests therein. British trade with South America -was first upset by the exploits of the <i>Karlsruhe</i>, later -on prestige was still more affected by the Coronel disaster, -and, finally, most of all by the expectation of -the arrival of von Spee's squadron in the Atlantic. The -freedom since enjoyed by our merchant shipping on all the -sea-trade routes of the world was in great part due to the -success of this portion of our Navy, the blockade having -been firmly established by our powerful fleet in home -waters. The toll of ships sunk and captured in the early -months of the war would have been much greater, trade -would have been seriously dislocated for the time being, -and the pinch of a shortage in food supplies would -probably have been felt had it not been for this very -opportune victory.</p> - -<p>What were von Spee's intentions after the destruction -of Admiral Cradock's squadron we shall probably never -know, but it is evident that he could not remain in the -Pacific; it is fairly certain, also, that he intended to seize<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> -the Falkland Islands if he found them insufficiently -guarded, as he had reason to infer was the case. -Obviously the most tempting course then open to him, -whether he took the Falklands or not, was to hold up -our trade along the whole of the east coast of South -America. But the possibility of doing this was diminished -by his fatal delay after Coronel, before making a move. Had -he acted at once he might have been able to do this with -impunity for at least a month, by dividing up his squadron -into small units. His coal and other supplies would have -been easily assured through the armed merchant cruisers -<i>Prinz Eitel Friedrich</i> and <i>Kronprinz Wilhelm</i>, organising -the colliers and shoreships along these coasts. The <i>Kronprinz -Wilhelm</i> had been operating for months past on the -north coast of South America in conjunction with the <i>Karlsruhe</i>, -and therefore already knew the tricks of this trade.</p> - -<p>Had he been permitted to pursue this policy, von -Spee was inevitably bound to touch on the delicate -subject of neutrality in arranging supplies for so numerous -a squadron. Now, according to the laws laid down -by Article 5 of the Hague Conference, 1907, "belligerents -are forbidden to use neutral ports and waters as a base -of operations against their adversaries." By Article 12 -it is laid down that in default of any other special provisions -in the legislation of a neutral Power, belligerent -warships are forbidden to remain in the ports, roadsteads, -or territorial waters of the said Power for more than -twenty-four hours, except in special cases covered by -the Convention. It is left to the neutral to make regulations -as to the hospitality it will afford, and those -laid down by Brazil were that a belligerent vessel was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> -only allowed to visit one of their ports once in three -months for the purpose of obtaining supplies.</p> - -<p>Being aware of these conditions, and that neutrality -could not be imposed upon to an unlimited extent, it -follows that von Spee would have been dependent in a -great measure on supply ships which were able to evade -the scrutiny of the neutral authorities—a precarious state -of existence. Coal would be his prime necessity, and he -might have hoped to secure a supply of this from captured -colliers, but he could not depend upon it for such -a large number of ships. Meanwhile, however, very -considerable damage might have been done to our shipping, -and it is generally believed the Germans were -optimistic enough to hope that England would be brought -to her knees from starvation by being cut off from both -North and South American ports during this period, -although there was really no ground whatsoever for -such a surmise. Perhaps we shall in the future be careful -not to frame so many laws for the conduct of war, -since the Power that neglects these laws rides roughshod -over her more conscientious opponent.</p> - -<p>Such a scheme may have been the natural outcome -of von Spee's success at Coronel. On the other -hand, it is impossible to state with certainty that -he did not intend to go ultimately to the Cape -of Good Hope or some other part of Africa, but -the pros and cons have already been discussed, and -it scarcely appears probable. Von Spee, of course, -had no notion of the prompt measure taken by -our Admiralty in dispatching two powerful battle-cruisers -of high speed to these waters without loss of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> -time and in complete secrecy, though he must have -concluded that no time would be lost in sending out -reinforcements. Apparently his judgment was here at -fault; hence the proposed attack on our colony in the -Falkland Islands, the capture of which would have yielded -him coal for his squadron's immediate requirements.</p> - -<p>Von Spee is said to have been over-persuaded by -his staff to undertake this latter venture. His movements -here certainly led to the conclusion that he had no -fixed plan. When the <i>Invincible</i> reached Pernambuco -on her way home, there was a strong rumour that three -colliers had been waiting off the coast for the <i>Scharnhorst</i> -and <i>Gneisenau</i>; this points to the capture of the -Falklands not being included in the original plan. Admiral -Sturdee searched the area for these ships but found nothing.</p> - -<p>Both the British and German squadrons refrained -from using wireless, and so had no knowledge of their -proximity during the first week in December. Had the -German ships passed our squadron whilst coaling at the -Falklands, they would in all likelihood have separated, -and would then have had a free hand—for some time, at -any rate—along the east coast, whilst our ships would -have gone round the Horn and searched for them in vain -in the Pacific. The first intimation of their having -eluded our squadron would have been that much of -our shipping would be reported overdue in England -from South American ports (for von Spee would most -assuredly have avoided approaching within sight of -land). This would very probably have been put down -in the first few instances to the depredations of the -<i>Karlsruhe</i>, whose fate was at this time quite unknown.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> -The <i>Scharnhorst</i> and <i>Gneisenau</i> were sufficiently powerful -to cope with anything which von Spee thought was likely -to be in these seas. As a matter of fact, however, the -battle-cruiser <i>Princess Royal</i> was in North American -waters at this time, having left England in secrecy soon -after the <i>Invincible</i> and <i>Inflexible</i> were dispatched south.</p> - -<p>In further support of this theory of what was the -German Admiral's plan of campaign, it may be mentioned -that a fully laden German collier was forced to intern -at a South American port south of the Plate in order -to avoid capture by the <i>Carnarvon</i> and <i>Cornwall</i>, who -were searching the coast there just after the battle of -the Falklands took place. Another collier, the <i>Mera</i>, -put back into Montevideo very hurriedly and interned -herself, and lastly, the tender <i>Patagonia</i> ended her -career in like manner. The presence of all these ships -in this locality is evidence of the organisation arranged -for the supply of the German squadron along this coast, -and precludes the idea of its going to Africa.</p> - -<p>There is evidence to show that von Spee picked up -naval reservists for his squadron at Valparaiso, but there -is none to confirm the rumour that he proposed to -occupy the Falkland Islands, retaining a garrison there -after they had been captured. He could never have -hoped to occupy or to hold them for any length of time. -Baron von Maltzhan, the manager of a large sheep farm in -Chile, was selected to take command of an expedition consisting -of an armed force of some 500 men, whose function -was to assist in the capture of the Falkland Islands, but -not necessarily to remain on as a permanent garrison.</p> - -<p>The damage that can be done to merchant shipping<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> -and trade by a single hostile ship has been demonstrated -on more than one occasion during this war. If, -therefore, it is presumed that the revised German programme -was to capture the Falkland Islands, thus -aiming a blow at British prestige, and then to scatter -in the manner suggested so as to hamper or cripple -our trade with the New World as long as possible, it -will then be seen how opportune a victory this was for -the British nation.</p> - -<p>Had von Spee escaped being brought to action, it -seems probable that he would have endeavoured to work -his way home in preference to the alternative of internment.</p> - -<p>In brief, then, this is a rough outline of events that -"might"—one could almost use the word "would"—have -taken place, had not such prompt steps been -taken by the Admiralty to meet him wherever he went -by superior forces. Von Spee knew he was being cornered, -and is reported to have said so at Valparaiso.</p> - -<p>If additional proof of the decision of the Germans -to bring about this war, whatever the cost, were required, -it is to be found in the testimony of a -captured German reservist, who has already been -mentioned in this book. He was German interpreter -to the Law Courts at Sydney. This man told a -naval surgeon who was examining him after he had -been rescued, when he was still in a very shaken condition -and could have had no object in lying, that he -had been called up by the German Admiralty on <em>June -26th</em>. In company with several other reservists, therefore, -he took passage in a sailing ship bound for Valparaiso, -where he ultimately joined the <i>Leipzig</i>. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> -tale is corroborated by the fact that von Spee put into -Valparaiso to pick up naval reservists in accordance -with instructions from Germany, which perhaps may -have been the cause of his delay in coming round the -Horn after defeating Admiral Cradock. Other prisoners -informed us that they had been cruising up and down -the <ins class="corr" title="Transcriber's Note—Original text: 'Chilian'">Chilean</ins> coast in order to meet a storeship from Valparaiso -with these reservists on board, so as to avoid -being reported. The latter, however, never turned up, so -the Germans were obliged to put in there a second time.</p> - -<p>The murder of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand of -Austria and of his wife, the alleged cause of this war, -took place at Serajevo, the capital of Bosnia, two days -after this man was called up by German Admiralty -orders, namely, on Sunday, June 28th, 1914.</p> - -<p>A German newspaper, in speaking of the success of -Admiral von Spee at Coronel, also admirably sums up -the issue of the battle of the Falkland Islands: "The -superiority of our fleet in no way detracts from the -glory of our victory, for the very essence of the business -of a strategist is the marshalling of a superior fleet at -the right place and at the right moment."</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verse14">"Not unto us,"</p> -<p class="verse">Cried Drake, "not unto us—but unto Him</p> -<p class="verse">Who made the sea, belongs our England now!</p> -<p class="verse">Pray God that heart and mind and soul we prove</p> -<p class="verse">Worthy among the nations of this hour</p> -<p class="verse">And this great victory, whose ocean fame</p> -<p class="verse">Shall wash the world with thunder till that day</p> -<p class="verse">When there is no more sea, and the strong cliffs</p> -<p class="verse">Pass like a smoke, and the last peal of it</p> -<p class="verse">Sounds thro' the trumpet."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small"><span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER XVII</a><br /> - -<span class="small">THE PARTING OF THE WAYS</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verse">"Now to the Strait Magellanus they came</p> -<p class="verse">And entered in with ringing shouts of joy.</p> -<p class="verse">Nor did they think there was a fairer strait</p> -<p class="verse">In all the world than this which lay so calm</p> -<p class="verse">Between great silent mountains crowned with snow,</p> -<p class="verse">Unutterably lonely</p> -<p class="verse">From Pole to Pole, one branching bursting storm</p> -<p class="verse">Of world-wide oceans, where the huge Pacific</p> -<p class="verse">Roared greetings to the Atlantic."</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small"><span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">The failure to round up the <i>Dresden</i> directly after the -battle was naturally a great disappointment, but our -recent success prevented anyone from feeling it too -keenly. Hearing that the <i>Dresden</i> had suddenly put -into Punta Arenas (Magellan Straits) to coal, Admiral -Sturdee immediately ordered the <i>Inflexible</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, -and <i>Bristol</i> to go in pursuit of her in that direction. -Sailing at 4 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> on December 13th, the <i>Bristol</i> arrived -there the following afternoon to find that the <i>Dresden</i> -had left the previous evening at 10 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, steaming away -westwards. It was tantalising to have got so close to -her, for she was not heard of again for months after -this. All our ships now joined in the search, during -which every possible bay and inlet was thoroughly -examined. A glance at a large-scale map of this locality -will show the difficulties that had to be surmounted. -There were thousands of possible hiding-places amongst<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> -the channels and islands, many of which were quite -unsurveyed; and, at first sight, it appeared nearly -impossible to investigate all of these in anything short -of a lifetime.</p> - -<p>The Admiralty now ordered the <i>Invincible</i> to go to -Gibraltar. On leaving harbour on the 14th, the <i>Cornwall</i> -gave her a rousing send-off by "cheering ship," to which -she enthusiastically replied. Admiral Sturdee sailed -from Port Stanley on December 16th, to the great -regret of the remainder of the squadron. He called in -at Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, and Pernambuco <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en -route</i>, and was received in almost the same spirit in -which Nelson was acclaimed by the Ligurian Republic -at Genoa in 1798.</p> - -<p>Rear-Admiral Stoddart in the <i>Carnarvon</i> now took -over the command of our squadron. The <i>Inflexible</i> -continued the search for some days, after which she -also was ordered off and sailed for the Mediterranean -on December 24th. The remainder of our ships were -scattered on both sides of South America and around -Cape Horn.</p> - -<p>Few people have the opportunity of realising the -beauty and grandeur of the scenery in this part of the -world, which resembles nothing so much as the fjords -of Norway in the winter time. The depth of water -allows ships to navigate the narrowest channels, where -glacier-bounded mountains rise precipitously from the -waters edge. Once on rounding a headland we came -upon a most unusual sight: some forty albatrosses were -sitting on the water. Our arrival caused them considerable -inconvenience and alarm, and it was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> -quaintest sight to see these huge birds with their enormous -spread of wing endeavouring to rise, a feat which -many of them were unable to achieve even after several -attempts. All these "fjords" abound in seals—chiefly -of the hairy variety—sea-lions, and every imaginable -kind of penguin. Long ropes of seaweed, usually known -amongst the seafaring world as kelp, grow on the submerged -rocks, and are an invaluable guide to the sailor -as they indicate the rocky patches. They grow to an -enormous length, and are to be seen floating on the -face of the water; in fact, we had many an anxious -though profitable moment in these unsurveyed localities -owing to their sudden and unexpected appearance. At -intervals a sliding glacier would enshroud the face of -a mountain in a dense mist formed by myriads of microscopic -particles of ice, which would be followed by -wonderful prismatic effects as the sun forced his way -through, transforming the scene into a veritable fairyland -of the most gorgeous lights and shades. Towards -sunset the rose-pink and deep golden shafts of light on -the snow-covered peaks beggared all description, and -forced the onlooker literally to gasp in pure ecstasy. -Only the pen of a brilliant word-painter could do justice -to the wealth of splendour of this ever-changing panorama.</p> - -<p>The true Patagonian is nearly extinct, and the Indians -inhabiting Tierra del Fuego are of a low social order, very -primitive, and wild in appearance. We sometimes passed -some of these in their crude dug-out canoes, which they -handle most dexterously. Considering the severity of -the climate, the temperature of which runs round about -40° Fahr., they wear remarkably few clothes, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> -children frequently none at all, which accounts for the -hardiness of those that survive.</p> - -<p>The difference between the east and west territory of -the Straits of Magellan is very marked. The Atlantic -end is bordered by sandy beaches and green, undulating -slopes backed by mountains, and the weather at this -time of year is generally fine and calm; whereas the -Pacific side is devoid of all vegetation, glaciers and -mountain crags covered with snow descend nearly perpendicularly -to the Straits, and it is no exaggeration to -say that it is possible to go almost close alongside these -high walls without any damage to the ship. Here the -weather is altogether different, frequent blizzards are -attended by rough weather, with heavy seas off the -entrance, and it is far colder. The cause of this contrast -lies in the Andes, which extend down to Cape Horn -and break the force of the strong westerly winds (the -roaring forties) that prevail in these latitudes.</p> - -<p>On Christmas Day, 1914, the two battle-cruisers were -on their way to Europe. The <i>Carnarvon</i> spent the day coaling -in Possession Bay in the Straits of Magellan. We -were also there in the <i>Cornwall</i>, but were more fortunate -in having finished coaling the previous evening; however, -we went to sea during the afternoon. It was -scarcely what one would term a successful day, for the -ship had to be cleaned, and it was impossible to decorate -the mess deck, as is the custom. Nevertheless, we had -a cheerful Service, which was followed by Holy Communion, -and for the mid-day dinner there was plenty -of salt pork and plum-duff! Unfortunately, as has -been related, we were not to get our mail or our plum-puddings<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> -for many a long day. The <i>Kent</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, -<i>Bristol</i>, and <i>Orama</i> had poor weather off the coast of -Chile, which did not help to enliven their Christmas. -The <i>Otranto</i>, perhaps, was the best off, having recently -come from Sierra Leone, where she had filled up with -provisions.</p> - -<p>The <i>Cornwall</i> was the next ship to be ordered away. -We left Port Stanley on January 3rd, 1915, and sailed -for England to have the damage to our side properly -repaired in dry dock.</p> - -<p>It would be tedious to follow in detail the wanderings -of the remainder of our ships, who proceeded with -colliers in company to ferret out every nook and cranny -in this indented coastline. The <i>Newcastle</i> and some -Japanese cruisers operated farther to the north along -the Pacific side. Admiral Stoddart's squadron must -have covered many thousands of miles with practically -no respite in this onerous and fatiguing duty. Their lot -was by no means enviable, they were perpetually under -way, except when they stopped to replenish with coal, -their mails were of necessity very irregular, and they -were seldom able to get fresh food. Imagine, then, -with what joy they ultimately found the termination -of their labours in the sinking of the <i>Dresden</i>!</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">CHAPTER XVIII</a><br /> - -<span class="small">THE LAST OF THE "DRESDEN"</span></h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"> -<p class="verse">"Tell them it is El Draque," he said, "who lacks</p> -<p class="verse">The time to parley; therefore it will be well</p> -<p class="verse">They strike at once, for I am in great haste."</p> -<p class="verse">There, at the sound of that renowned name,</p> -<p class="verse">Without a word down came their blazoned flag!</p> -<p class="verse">Like a great fragment of the dawn it lay,</p> -<p class="verse">Crumpled upon their decks....</p> -</div></div> - -<p class="right padr6 small"><span class="smcap">Alfred Noyes</span> (<cite>Drake</cite>).</p> - - -<p class="noindent">There is remarkably little to tell about this action, -which concludes the exploits of our ships in these waters. -The whole fight only lasted a few minutes altogether—a -poor ending to a comparatively fruitless career, considering -the time that the <i>Dresden</i> was at large. During -the months of January and February, 1915, the search -for her had been carried on unremittingly; but though -she had managed successfully to evade us, she was so -pressed that she was unable to harass or make attacks -on our shipping. That she never once attempted to -operate along the main trade routes shows the energy -with which this quest was prosecuted. From the time of -her escape on December 8th till the day on which she -sank, the <i>Dresden</i> only destroyed two sailing vessels. -She, however, made such thorough arrangements to cover -her movements that no reliable information as to her -whereabouts ever leaked through to our squadron. -Rumours were legion, and there were "people who were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> -prepared to swear that they had seen her." The two -places they mentioned were practically uncharted and -were found to be full of hidden dangers. Acting on -this "reliable" information, the localities were examined -by our cruisers early in March, but it was found -out afterwards that the <i>Dresden</i> had never visited either -of them.</p> - -<p>The armed merchantman <i>Prinz Eitel Friedrich</i> had -been much more successful, and had captured and -destroyed ten ships during these two months. Many, -it is true, were sailing vessels, but none the less anxiety -began to make itself felt in local shipping circles, and -the whole position once more became uneasy and disturbed. -Early in March the <i>Prinz Eitel Friedrich</i> arrived -at Newport News in the United States with a number -of prisoners on board, which had been taken from these -prizes. She was badly in need of refit, and her engines -required repairs. On learning that one of her victims -was an American vessel, public indignation was hotly -aroused, and but little sympathy was shown for her -wants. Her days of marauding were brought to an -end, for the Americans resolutely interned her.</p> - -<p>On March 8th the <i>Kent</i>, in the course of her patrol -duties, sighted the <i>Dresden</i> in latitude 37 S., longitude -80 W. It was a calm, misty morning, which made it -impossible to see any distance. During the afternoon -the haze suddenly lifted, and there was the <i>Dresden</i>, -only ten miles away. The <i>Kent</i> seems to have sighted -the <i>Dresden</i> first, and steamed full speed towards her -for a few minutes before being observed. This interval, -however, did not allow her to get within gun range.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> -Of course the <i>Dresden</i>, being a far newer and faster -vessel, soon increased the distance between them, and -after a five-hours' chase, finally escaped under cover -of the darkness. This was the first time she had been -sighted by a British warship since December 8th. It -was noticed that she was standing well out of the water, -and this chase must have used up a lot of coal. It was -obvious, therefore, that she would require coal very -shortly, and at a no very distant port.</p> - -<p>The <i>Kent</i> proceeded to Coronel to coal, informing -the <i>Glasgow</i> and <i>Orama</i>. A search was organised, and, -as a result of a wireless signal from the <i>Glasgow</i>, the -<i>Kent</i> rejoined her not far from where the <i>Dresden</i> had -been sighted. The <i>Glasgow</i>, <i>Kent</i>, and <i>Orama</i> caught -sight of their quarry at 9 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> on March 14th, 1915, -near Juan Fernandez Island. Smoke was seen to be -issuing from the <i>Dresden's</i> funnels as our ships closed -in on her from different directions. She was taken -completely by surprise, and it was evident that there -was no possible escape for her. As our ships approached -she kept her guns trained on them, but did not attempt -to open fire. Then all three British ships fired together, -to which the German replied. The official statement -tersely reports: "An action ensued. After five minutes' -fighting the <i>Dresden</i> hauled down her colours and -displayed the white flag."</p> - -<p>Immediately the white flag was hoisted, all the -British ships ceased firing. The crew of the <i>Dresden</i> -then began to abandon her in haste, and were to be -seen assembling on shore. Just as the last party of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>men were leaving the ship, the Germans made -arrangements to blow up the foremost magazine. Not -long afterwards there was a loud explosion, and the -ship began to sink slowly, bows first. The <i>Dresden's</i> -officers and men had all got well clear of the ship. An -hour later, at a quarter-past twelve, she disappeared -below the surface, flying the white flag and the German -ensign which had been re-hoisted at the last. All the -surgeons and sick-berth staff of the British ships now -attended to the German wounded, who were afterwards -conveyed in the <i>Orama</i> to Valparaiso, where they were -landed and taken to the German hospital.</p> - -<p>Such a tame finish to their labours naturally caused -disappointment amongst our ship's companies, who -expected the enemy to uphold the traditions of Vice-Admiral -von Spee by fighting to the last. The main -object, however, had been achieved, the victory gained -by Admiral Sturdee at the battle of the Falkland Islands -had at last been made complete, and our ships in South -American waters were now free to proceed on other -useful service.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p> - - -<p class="p6" /> - -<h2><a name="Part_III" id="Part_III"></a><a href="#CONTENTS"><span class="smcap">Part III</span></a><br /> - -OFFICIAL DISPATCHES</h2> - -<p class="p6" /> - - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span><br /> - <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p> - - -<p class="p2" /> -<p class="pfs120">OFFICIAL DISPATCHES</p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3 class="no-brk"><a name="I" id="I"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">I</a><br /> - -DISPATCH OF THE ACTION -OF H.M.S. "CARMANIA"</h3> - -<p class="pfs80">September 14th, 1914</p> - - -<p class="noindent">The Secretary of the Admiralty communicates the following -for publication. It is a narrative of the action in South -Atlantic on September 14th, 1914, between H.M.S. <i>Carmania</i> -and the German armed merchant ship <i>Cap Trafalgar</i>:—</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>Shortly after 11 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> we made out a vessel, and on -nearer approach we saw there were three vessels, one a -large liner, the others colliers. The latter had derricks -topped, and were probably working when we hove in sight. -Before we had raised their hulls they had separated, and -were making off in different directions. The large vessel -was, apparently, about our own size, with two funnels painted -to represent a Castle liner. After running away for a little -while, the large steamer turned to starboard and headed -towards us. She was then steering about south, and we -were steering about south-west. The weather was fine and -sunny, with a moderate breeze from the north-east. Our -speed was 16 knots, and his apparently about 18. At 8,500 -yards we fired a shot across his bows, and he immediately -opened fire from his starboard after gun. We opened with -all the port guns, and the firing became general. We were -now well within range, and most of his shots went over. -Consequently our rigging, masts, funnels, derricks, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> -ventilators all suffered. He was then well open on our -port side. All our port guns and his starboard guns engaged, -and firing became rapid. Owing to the decreasing range, -his machine guns were becoming particularly dangerous, -so the ship was turned away from him and the range opened. -The ship continued to turn until the starboard battery was -engaged.</p> - -<p>Two of our hits were seen to take his deck steam pipes. -He was well on fire forward, and had a slight list to starboard. -One of his shells had passed through the cabin, -under our forebridge, and although it did not burst, it started -a fire which became rapidly worse, no water being available -owing to the fire main having been shot through. The -chemical fire extinguishers proving of very little use, the -fire got such a firm hold that the forebridge had to be abandoned, -and the ship conned from aft, using the lower steering -position. At this time the enemy was on our starboard, -with a heavy list to starboard, and at 1.50 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, or one hour -and forty minutes from the firing of the first shot, she capsized -to starboard and went down bows first, with colours -flying. It was some time before we got the fire under, -which necessitated keeping the ship before the wind, and -consequently we could not go to the assistance of the survivors, -some of whom got away in boats and were picked -up by one of the colliers.</p> - -<p>The enemy before sinking was in wireless communication -with some German vessel, and as smoke was seen in -the northern horizon and the signalman thought he could -make out a cruiser's funnels, we went off full speed to the -southward. When we were in touch with the <i>Cornwall</i> -all we asked him was to meet us, as the ship was -unseaworthy and practically all communications and -navigational instruments were destroyed, rendering the -conning and navigation of the ship difficult and -uncertain.</p> - -<p>On the 15th, at 4.30 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, the <i>Bristol</i> picked us up -and escorted us until relieved by the <i>Cornwall</i>, who took -us on to an anchorage to effect temporary repairs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p> - -<p>The following were decorated for their services during -this engagement:</p> - -<p class="p1" /> -<p class="negin2"><span class="smcap">Captain Noel Grant</span>, Royal Navy, awarded the C.B. He -commanded and manœuvred the <i>Carmania</i> throughout -the action, and handled the ship with rare skill and -judgment.</p> - -<p class="negin2"><span class="smcap">Acting-Commander James C. Barr</span>, Royal Naval Reserve, -awarded the C.B. He was primarily concerned in -getting the fire under, and prevented it spreading.</p> - -<p class="negin2"><span class="smcap">Lieutenant-Commander E. L. B. Lockyer</span>, Royal Navy, -awarded the D.S.O. Controlled the gun-fire in the -most cool and efficient manner, after which he concentrated -all his energy on extinguishing the fire.</p> - -<p class="negin2"><span class="smcap">Chief Gunner Henry Middleton</span>, Royal Navy, awarded -the D.S.C. Did extremely well in charge of the ammunition -parties, and encouraged his men by his personal -behaviour and coolness.</p> - -<p class="negin2"><span class="smcap">Acting Sub-Lieutenant G. F. Dickens</span>, Royal Naval -Reserve, awarded the D.S.C. Saved vital parts of the -Standard Compass when the bridge was abandoned, and -then assisted in saving the charts.</p> - -<p class="negin2"><span class="smcap">Midshipman D. N. Colson</span>, Royal Naval Reserve, awarded -the D.S.C. Took the fire-hose into the Chart House, -and in spite of being burned by falling wood, managed -to pass the charts out to Sub-Lieutenant Dickens.</p> - -<p class="p1" /> -<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">Lieutenant-Commander W. J. O'Neil</span> and <span class="smcap">Lieutenant -P. A. Murchie</span>, of the Royal Naval Reserve, together with -<span class="smcap">Chief-Engineer F. Drummond</span> and <span class="smcap">2nd Engineer J. -Mcdonald</span>, were all specially mentioned in dispatches.</p> - -<p>In addition to the above, twelve men were awarded the -D.S.M. for various acts of gallantry.</p> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="II" id="II"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">II</a><br /> - -DISPATCH OF THE ACTION -FOUGHT OFF CORONEL</h3> - -<p class="pfs80">November 1st, 1914</p> - -<p class="pfs90 p1">THE NAVAL FIGHT OFF CHILE</p> - - -<p class="noindent">The Secretary of the Admiralty announces that the following -report has been received from H.M.S. <i>Glasgow</i> (Captain -John Luce, R.N.) concerning the recent action off the Chilean -coast:—</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p><i>Glasgow</i> left Coronel 9 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> on November 1 to rejoin -<i>Good Hope</i> (flagship), <i>Monmouth</i>, and <i>Otranto</i> at rendezvous. -At 2 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> flagship signalled that apparently from wireless -calls there was an enemy ship to northward. Orders were -given for squadron to spread N.E. by E. in the following -order: <i>Good Hope</i>, <i>Monmouth</i>, <i>Otranto</i>, and <i>Glasgow</i>, speed -to be worked up to 15 knots. 4.20 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> saw smoke; proved -to be enemy ships, one small cruiser and two armoured -cruisers. <i>Glasgow</i> reported to Admiral, ships in sight were -warned, and all concentrated on <i>Good Hope</i>. At 5 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> -<i>Good Hope</i> was sighted.</p> - -<p>5.47 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, squadron formed in line-ahead in following -order: <i>Good Hope</i>, <i>Monmouth</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, <i>Otranto</i>. Enemy, -who had turned south, were now in single line-ahead 12 -miles off, <i>Scharnhorst</i> and <i>Gneisenau</i> leading. 6.18 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, -speed ordered to 17 knots, and flagship signalled <i>Canopus</i>, -'I am going to attack enemy now.' Enemy were now 15,000 -yards away and maintained this range, at the same time -jambing wireless signals.</p> - -<p>By this time sun was setting immediately behind us<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> -from enemy position, and while it remained above horizon -we had advantage in light, but range too great. 6.55 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, -sun set, and visibility conditions altered, our ships being -silhouetted against afterglow, and failing light made enemy -difficult to see.</p> - -<p>7.3 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, enemy opened fire 12,000 yards, followed in -quick succession by <i>Good Hope</i>, <i>Monmouth</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>. Two -squadrons were now converging, and each ship engaged -opposite number in the line. Growing darkness and heavy -spray of head sea made firing difficult, particularly for main -deck guns of <i>Good Hope</i> and <i>Monmouth</i>. Enemy firing -salvo got range quickly, and their third salvo caused fire to -break out on fore part of both ships, which were constantly -on fire till 7.45 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> 7.50 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, immense explosion occurred -on <i>Good Hope</i> amidships, flames reaching 200 feet high. -Total destruction must have followed. It was now quite -dark.</p> - -<p>Both sides continued firing at flashes of opposing guns. -<i>Monmouth</i> was badly down by the bow and turned away to -get stern to sea, signalling to <i>Glasgow</i> to that effect. 8.30 -<span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, <i>Glasgow</i> signalled to <i>Monmouth</i>, 'Enemy following us,' -but received no reply. Under rising moon enemy's ships -were now seen approaching, and as <i>Glasgow</i> could render -<i>Monmouth</i> no assistance, she proceeded at full speed to -avoid destruction. 8.50 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, lost sight of enemy. 9.20 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, -observed 75 flashes of fire, which was no doubt final attack -on <i>Monmouth</i>.</p> - -<p>Nothing could have been more admirable than conduct -of officers and men throughout. Though it was most trying -to receive great volume of fire without chance of returning -it adequately, all kept perfectly cool, there was no wild -firing, and discipline was the same as at battle practice. -When target ceased to be visible, gunlayers spontaneously -ceased fire. The serious reverse sustained has entirely failed -to impair the spirit of officers and ship's company, and it -is our unanimous wish to meet the enemy again as soon as -possible.</p></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="III" id="III"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">III</a><br /> - -OFFICIAL DISPATCH OF VICE-ADMIRAL -COUNT VON SPEE</h3> - - -<p class="noindent">The following official report of the action fought off Coronel -on November 1st appeared in the German Press, and is -interesting in the light of being an accurate account as -viewed by our enemies.</p> - -<p>On comparing it with Captain Luce's account, it will be -seen that the German clocks were about thirty minutes -slow on our time. Other evidence also points to this conclusion:—</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>The squadron under my command, composed of the -large cruisers <i>Scharnhorst</i> and <i>Gneisenau</i>, and the small -cruisers <i>Nürnberg</i>, <i>Leipzig</i>, and <i>Dresden</i>, reached on November -1st a point about twenty sea miles from the Chilean -coast, in order to attack a British cruiser which, according -to trustworthy information, had reached the locality on -the previous evening. On the way to the spot the small -cruisers were several times thrown out on the flanks to -observe steamers and sailing ships.</p> - -<p>At 4.15 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Nürnberg</i>, which was detached on one -of these missions, was lost sight of to the north-east, while -the <i>Dresden</i> remained about twelve sea miles behind. With -the bulk of the fleet, I was about forty miles north of Arauco -Bay. At 4.17 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> there were sighted to the south-west -at first two ships, and then at 4.25 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> a third ship about -fifteen miles away. Two of them were identified as warships, -and were presumed to be the <i>Monmouth</i> and <i>Glasgow</i>, -while the third was evidently the auxiliary cruiser <i>Otranto</i>. -They, too, seemed to be on a southerly course. The squadron<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> -steamed at full speed in pursuit, keeping the enemy four -points to the starboard. The wind was south, force 6, -with a correspondingly high sea, so that I had to be careful -not to be manœuvred into a lee position. Moreover, the -course chosen helped to cut off the enemy from the neutral -coast.</p> - -<p>About 4.35 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> it was seen that the enemy ships were -steering to the west, and I gradually changed my course -south-west, the <i>Scharnhorst</i> working up 22 knots, while the -<i>Gneisenau</i> and the <i>Leipzig</i> slowed down. The enemy's -numerous wireless messages were 'jammed' as far as -possible.</p> - -<p>At 5.20 the arrival of another warship was reported -which took the head of the line, and was identified as the -<i>Good Hope</i>, the flagship of Rear-Admiral Cradock.</p> - -<p>The enemy ships now got into battle formation, hoisted -their mast-head flags, and tried slowly to approach a southerly -course. From 5.35 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> onwards I held to a south-westerly -course, and later to southerly course, and reduced -speed to enable my own ships to come up. At 6.7 both -lines—except <i>Dresden</i>, which was about one mile astern, -and the <i>Nürnberg</i>, which was at a considerable distance—were -on an almost parallel southerly course, the distance -separating them being 135 hectometres (14,760 yards).</p> - -<p>At 6.20, when at a distance of 124 hectometres, I altered -my course one point towards the enemy, and at 6.34 opened -fire at a range of 104 hectometres. There was a head wind -and sea, and the ships rolled and pitched heavily, particularly -the small cruisers, on both sides.</p> - -<p>Observation and range-finding work was most difficult, -the seas sweeping over the forecastles and conning-towers, -and preventing the use of some guns on the middle decks, -the crews of which were never able to see the sterns of their -opponents, and only occasionally their bows. On the other -hand, the guns of the two armoured cruisers worked splendidly, -and were well served.</p> - -<p>At 6.39 the first hit was recorded in the <i>Good Hope</i>. -Shortly afterwards the British opened fire. I am of opinion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> -that they suffered more from the heavy seas than we did. -Both their armoured cruisers, with the shortening range and -the failing light, were practically covered by our fire, while -they themselves, so far as can be ascertained at present, -only hit the <i>Scharnhorst</i> twice and the <i>Gneisenau</i> four times. -At 6.53, when at a distance of 60 hectometres, I sheered off -a point.</p> - -<p>The enemy's artillery at this time was firing more slowly, -while we were able to observe numerous hits. Among other -things, it was seen that the roof of the fore double turret -was carried away, and that a fierce fire was started in the -turret. The <i>Scharnhorst</i> reckons thirty-five hits on the -<i>Good Hope</i>.</p> - -<p>As the distance, in spite of our change of course, had -now decreased to 49 hectometres, it was to be presumed that -the enemy doubted the success of his artillery, and was -manœuvring for torpedo firing. The position of the moon, -which had risen about six o'clock, favoured this manœuvre. -At about 7.45, therefore, I gradually sheered off. In the -meantime, darkness had set in, and the range-finders in the -<i>Scharnhorst</i> for the moment used the reflections of the fires -which had broken out in the <i>Good Hope</i> to estimate the distances; -gradually, however, range-finding and observation -became so difficult that we ceased fire at 7.26.</p> - -<p>At 7.23 a big explosion was observed between the -funnels of the <i>Good Hope</i>. So far as I could see, the ship -did not fire after that. The <i>Monmouth</i> seems to have stopped -firing at 7.20.</p> - -<p>The small cruisers, including the <i>Nürnberg</i>, which came -up in the meantime, were by 'wireless' at 7.30 to pursue -the enemy and make a torpedo attack. At this time rain -squalls limited the range of vision. The small cruisers were -not able to find the <i>Good Hope</i>, but the <i>Nürnberg</i> came upon -the <i>Monmouth</i>, which, badly damaged, crossed her bows -and tried to come alongside. At 8.58 the <i>Nürnberg</i> sank -her by a bombardment at point-blank range.</p> - -<p>The <i>Monmouth</i> did not reply, but she went down with -her flag flying. There was no chance of saving anybody<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> -owing to the heavy sea, especially as the <i>Nürnberg</i> sighted -smoke, and believed that another enemy ship was approaching, -which she prepared to attack.</p> - -<p>At the beginning of the fight the <i>Otranto</i> made off. The -<i>Glasgow</i> was able to keep up her harmless fire longer than -her consorts maintained theirs, and she then escaped in the -darkness.</p> - -<p>The <i>Leipzig</i> and the <i>Dresden</i> believe that they hit her -several times. The small cruisers sustained neither loss of -life nor damage. The <i>Gneisenau</i> had two slightly wounded. -The crews went into the fight with enthusiasm. Every man -did his duty, and contributed to the victory.</p></div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="IV" id="IV"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">IV</a><br /> - -DISPATCH OF THE BATTLE -OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS</h3> - -<p class="pfs80">December 8th, 1914</p> - -<h4>ADMIRAL STURDEE'S DISPATCH</h4> - - -<p class="right"><em>Admiralty, 3rd March, 1915.</em></p> - -<p class="noindent">The following dispatch has been received from Vice-Admiral -Sir F. C. Doveton Sturdee, K.C.B., C.V.O., C.M.G., reporting -the action off the Falkland Islands on Tuesday, the 8th of -December, 1914:—</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> -<p class="right"><span class="padr4"><em>Invincible at Sea</em>,</span><br /> -<em>December 19th, 1914.</em></p> - -<p class="noindent smcap">Sir,</p> - -<p>I have the honour to forward a report on the action -which took place on 8th December, 1914, against a German -Squadron off the Falkland Islands.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr6">I have the honour to be, Sir,</span><br /> -<span class="padr6">Your obedient Servant,</span><br /> -<span class="padr2">F. C. D. STURDEE,</span><br /> -<em>Vice-Admiral, Commander-in-Chief</em>.</p> - -<p class="noindent"><em>The Secretary, Admiralty.</em></p> - - -<p class="center p2">(A)—PRELIMINARY MOVEMENTS</p> - -<p>The squadron, consisting of H.M. ships <i>Invincible</i>, flying -my flag, Flag Captain Percy T. H. Beamish; <i>Inflexible</i>, -Captain Richard F. Phillimore; <i>Carnarvon</i>, flying the flag -of Rear-Admiral Archibald P. Stoddart, Flag Captain Harry -L. d'E. Skipwith; <i>Cornwall</i>, Captain Walter M. Ellerton; -Kent, Captain John D. Allen; <i>Glasgow</i>, Captain John Luce; -<i>Bristol</i>, Captain Basil H. Fanshawe; and <i>Macedonia</i>, Captain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> -Bertram S. Evans; arrived at Port Stanley, Falkland -Islands, at 10.30 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> on Monday, the 7th December, 1914. -Coaling was commenced at once, in order that the ships -should be ready to resume the search for the enemy's squadron -the next evening, the 8th December.</p> - -<p>At 8 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> on Tuesday, the 8th December, a signal was -received from the signal station on shore:</p> - -<p class="noindent pad4 padr4"> -"A four-funnel and two-funnel man-of-war in -sight from Sapper Hill, steering northwards."</p> - -<p>At this time, the positions of the various ships of the -squadron were as follows:</p> - -<p class="noindent pad4"> -<i>Macedonia</i>—At anchor as look-out ship.<br /> -<i>Kent</i> (guard ship)—At anchor in Port William.<br /> -<i>Invincible</i> and <i>Inflexible</i>—In Port William.<br /> -<i>Carnarvon</i>—In Port William.<br /> -<i>Cornwall</i>—In Port William.<br /> -<i>Glasgow</i>—In Port Stanley.<br /> -<i>Bristol</i>—In Port Stanley.<br /> -</p> - -<p>The <i>Kent</i> was at once ordered to weigh, and a general -signal was made to raise steam for full speed.</p> - -<p>At 8.20 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the signal station reported another column -of smoke in sight to the southward, and at 8.45 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the -<i>Kent</i> passed down the harbour and took up a station at -the entrance.</p> - -<p>The <i>Canopus</i>, Captain Heathcoat S. Grant, reported at -8.47 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> that the first two ships were 8 miles off, and that -the smoke reported at 8.20 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> appeared to be the smoke -of two ships about 20 miles off.</p> - -<p>At 8.50 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the signal station reported a further column -of smoke in sight to the southward.</p> - -<p>The <i>Macedonia</i> was ordered to weigh anchor on the inner -side of the other ships, and await orders.</p> - -<p>At 9.20 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the two leading ships of the enemy (<i>Gneisenau</i> -and <i>Nürnberg</i>), with guns trained on the wireless station, -came within range of the <i>Canopus</i>, who opened fire at them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> -across the low land at a range of 11,000 yards. The enemy -at once hoisted their colours and turned away. At this time -the masts and smoke of the enemy were visible from the -upper bridge of the <i>Invincible</i> at a range of approximately -17,000 yards across the low land to the south of Port William.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later the two cruisers altered course to -port, as though to close the <i>Kent</i> at the entrance to the -harbour, but about this time it seems that the <i>Invincible</i> -and <i>Inflexible</i> were seen over the land, as the enemy at once -altered course and increased speed to join their consorts.</p> - -<p>The <i>Glasgow</i> weighed and proceeded at 9.40 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> with -orders to join the <i>Kent</i> and observe the enemy's movements.</p> - -<p>At 9.45 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the squadron—less the <i>Bristol</i>—weighed, -and proceeded out of harbour in the following order: <i>Carnarvon</i>, -<i>Inflexible</i>, <i>Invincible</i>, and <i>Cornwall</i>. On passing Cape -Pembroke Light, the five ships of the enemy appeared clearly -in sight to the south-east, hull down. The visibility was at -its maximum, the sea was calm, with a bright sun, a clear -sky, and a light breeze from the north-west.</p> - -<p>At 10.20 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> the signal for a general chase was made. -The battle-cruisers quickly passed ahead of the <i>Carnarvon</i> -and overtook the <i>Kent</i>. The <i>Glasgow</i> was ordered to keep -two miles from the <i>Invincible</i>, and the <i>Inflexible</i> was stationed -on the starboard quarter of the flagship. Speed was eased -to 20 knots at 11.15 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> to enable the other cruisers to -get into station.</p> - -<p>At this time the enemy's funnels and bridges showed -just above the horizon.</p> - -<p>Information was received from the <i>Bristol</i> at 11.27 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> -that three enemy ships had appeared off Port Pleasant, -probably colliers or transports. The <i>Bristol</i> was therefore -directed to take the <i>Macedonia</i> under his orders and destroy -transports.</p> - -<p>The enemy were still maintaining their distance, and -I decided, at 12.20 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, to attack with the two battle-cruisers -and the <i>Glasgow</i>.</p> - -<p>At 12.47 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the signal to "Open fire and engage the -enemy" was made.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span></p> - -<p>The <i>Inflexible</i> opened fire at 12.55 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> from her fore -turret at the right-hand ship of the enemy, a light cruiser; -a few minutes later the <i>Invincible</i> opened fire at the same -ship.</p> - -<p>The deliberate fire from a range of 16,500 to 15,000 yards -at the right-hand light cruiser, who was dropping astern, -became too threatening, and when a shell fell close alongside -her at 1.20 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> she (the <i>Leipzig</i>) turned away, with the -<i>Nürnberg</i> and <i>Dresden</i> to the south-west. These light cruisers -were at once followed by the <i>Kent</i>, <i>Glasgow</i>, and <i>Cornwall</i>, -in accordance with my instructions.</p> - -<p>The action finally developed into three separate encounters, -besides the subsidiary one dealing with the threatened -landing.</p> - - -<p class="center p2">(B)—ACTION WITH THE ARMOURED CRUISERS</p> - -<p>The fire of the battle-cruisers was directed on the <i>Scharnhorst</i> -and <i>Gneisenau</i>. The effect of this was quickly seen, -when at 1.25 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, with the <i>Scharnhorst</i> leading, they turned -about 7 points to port in succession into line-ahead and -opened fire at 1.30 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> Shortly afterwards speed was eased -to 24 knots, and the battle-cruisers were ordered to turn -together, bringing them into line-ahead, with the <i>Invincible</i> -leading.</p> - -<p>The range was about 13,500 yards at the final turn, and -increased until, at 2 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, it had reached 16,450 yards.</p> - -<p>The enemy then (2.10 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>) turned away about 10 points -to starboard and a second chase ensued, until, at 2.45 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, -the battle-cruisers again opened fire; this caused the enemy, -at 2.53 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, to turn into line-ahead to port and open fire -at 2.55 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span></p> - -<p>The <i>Scharnhorst</i> caught fire forward, but not seriously, -and her fire slackened perceptibly; the <i>Gneisenau</i> was badly -hit by the <i>Inflexible</i>.</p> - -<p>At 3.30 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Scharnhorst</i> led round about 10 points -to starboard; just previously her fire had slackened perceptibly, -and one shell had shot away her third funnel;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> -some guns were not firing, and it would appear that the -turn was dictated by a desire to bring her starboard guns -into action. The effect of the fire on the <i>Scharnhorst</i> became -more and more apparent in consequence of smoke from -fires, and also escaping steam; at times a shell would cause -a large hole to appear in her side, through which could be -seen a dull red glow of flame. At 4.4 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Scharnhorst</i>, -whose flag remained flying to the last, suddenly listed heavily -to port, and within a minute it became clear that she was -a doomed ship; for the list increased very rapidly until -she lay on her beam ends, and at 4.17 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> she disappeared.</p> - -<p>The <i>Gneisenau</i> passed on the far side of her late flagship, -and continued a determined but ineffectual effort to -fight the two battle-cruisers.</p> - -<p>At 5.8 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the forward funnel was knocked over and -remained resting against the second funnel. She was evidently -in serious straits, and her fire slackened very much.</p> - -<p>At 5.15 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> one of the <i>Gneisenau's</i> shells struck the -<i>Invincible</i>; this was her last effective effort.</p> - -<p>At 5.30 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> she turned towards the flagship with a heavy -list to starboard, and appeared stopped, with steam pouring -from her escape pipes and smoke from shell and fires rising -everywhere. About this time I ordered the signal "Cease -fire," but before it was hoisted the <i>Gneisenau</i> opened fire -again, and continued to fire from time to time with a single -gun.</p> - -<p>At 5.40 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the three ships closed in on the <i>Gneisenau</i>, -and at this time the flag flying at her fore truck was apparently -hauled down, but the flag at the peak continued flying.</p> - -<p>At 5.50 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> "Cease fire" was made.</p> - -<p>At 6 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Gneisenau</i> heeled over very suddenly, showing -the men gathered on her decks and then walking on -her side as she lay for a minute on her beam ends before -sinking.</p> - -<p>The prisoners of war from the <i>Gneisenau</i> report that, by -the time the ammunition was expended, some 600 men had -been killed and wounded. The surviving officers and men -were all ordered on deck and told to provide themselves<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> -with hammocks and any articles that could support them -in the water.</p> - -<p>When the ship capsized and sank there were probably -some 200 unwounded survivors in the water, but, owing to -the shock of the cold water, many were drowned within -sight of the boats and ship.</p> - -<p>Every effort was made to save life as quickly as possible -both by boats and from the ships; life-buoys were thrown -and ropes lowered, but only a proportion could be rescued. -The <i>Invincible</i> alone rescued 108 men, 14 of whom were -found to be dead after being brought on board; these men -were buried at sea the following day with full military honours.</p> - - -<p class="center p2">(C)—ACTION WITH THE LIGHT CRUISERS</p> - -<p>At about 1 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, when the <i>Scharnhorst</i> and <i>Gneisenau</i> -turned to port to engage the <i>Invincible</i> and <i>Inflexible</i>, the -enemy's light cruisers turned to starboard to escape; the -<i>Dresden</i> was leading and the <i>Nürnberg</i> and <i>Leipzig</i> followed -on each quarter.</p> - -<p>In accordance with my instructions, the <i>Glasgow</i>, <i>Kent</i>, -and <i>Cornwall</i> at once went in chase of these ships; the -<i>Carnarvon</i>, whose speed was insufficient to overtake them, -closed the battle-cruisers.</p> - -<p>The <i>Glasgow</i> drew well ahead of the <i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Kent</i>, -and at 3 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> shots were exchanged with the <i>Leipzig</i> at -12,000 yards. The <i>Glasgow's</i> object was to endeavour to -outrange the <i>Leipzig</i> with her 6-inch guns and thus cause -her to alter coarse and give the <i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Kent</i> a chance -of coming into action.</p> - -<p>At 4.17 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Cornwall</i> opened fire, also on the <i>Leipzig</i>.</p> - -<p>At 7.17 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Leipzig</i> was on fire fore and aft, and the -<i>Cornwall</i> and <i>Glasgow</i> ceased fire.</p> - -<p>The <i>Leipzig</i> turned over on her port side and disappeared -at 9 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> Seven officer and eleven men were saved.</p> - -<p>At 3.36 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Cornwall</i> ordered the <i>Kent</i> to engage -the <i>Nürnberg</i>, the nearest cruiser to her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p> - -<p>Owing to the excellent and strenuous efforts of the engine -room department, the <i>Kent</i> was able to get within range -of the <i>Nürnberg</i> at 5 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> At 6.35 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span> the <i>Nürnberg</i> was -on fire forward and ceased firing. The <span class="smcap">Kent</span> also ceased -firing and closed to 3,300 yards; as the colours were still -observed to be flying in the <i>Nürnberg</i>, the <i>Kent</i> opened -fire again. Fire was finally stopped five minutes later on -the colours being hauled down, and every preparation was -made to save life. The <i>Nürnberg</i> sank at 7.27 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, and -as she sank a group of men were waving a German ensign -attached to a staff. Twelve men were rescued, but only -seven survived.</p> - -<p>The <i>Kent</i> had four killed and twelve wounded, mostly -caused by one shell.</p> - -<p>During the time the three cruisers were engaged with -the <i>Nürnberg</i> and <i>Leipzig</i>, the <i>Dresden</i>, who was beyond -her consorts, effected her escape owing to her superior speed. -The <i>Glasgow</i> was the only cruiser with sufficient speed to -have had any chance of success. However, she was fully -employed in engaging the <i>Leipzig</i> for over an hour before -either the <i>Cornwall</i> or <i>Kent</i> could come up and get within -range. During this time the <i>Dresden</i> was able to increase -her distance and get out of sight.</p> - -<p>The weather changed after 4 <span class="smcap fs80">P.M.</span>, and the visibility was -much reduced; further, the sky was overcast and cloudy, -thus assisting the <i>Dresden</i> to get away unobserved.</p> - - -<p class="center p2">(D)—ACTION WITH THE ENEMY'S TRANSPORTS</p> - -<p>A report was received at 11.27 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span> from H.M.S. <i>Bristol</i> -that three ships of the enemy, probably transports or colliers, -had appeared off Port Pleasant. The <i>Bristol</i> was ordered -to take the <i>Macedonia</i> under his orders and destroy the -transports.</p> - -<p>H.M.S. <i>Macedonia</i> reports that only two ships, steamships -<i>Baden</i> and <i>Santa Isabel</i>, were present; both ships -were sunk after the removal of the crew.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p> - -<p>I have pleasure in reporting that the officers and men -under my orders carried out their duties with admirable -efficiency and coolness, and great credit is due to the Engineer -Officers of all the ships, several of which exceeded their -normal full speed.</p> - -<p>The names of the following are specially mentioned:</p> - -<p class="center smcap p2">Officers</p> - -<p class="negin2">Commander Richard Herbert Denny Townsend, H.M.S. <i>Invincible</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Commander Arthur Edward Frederick Bedford, H.M.S. <i>Kent</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Lieutenant-Commander Wilfrid Arthur Thompson, H.M.S. -<i>Glasgow</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Lieutenant-Commander Hubert Edward Danreuther, First and -Gunnery Lieutenant, H.M.S. <i>Invincible</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Engineer-Commander George Edward Andrew, H.M.S. <i>Kent</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Engineer-Commander Edward John Weeks, H.M.S. <i>Invincible</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Paymaster Cyril Sheldon Johnson, H.M.S. <i>Invincible</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Carpenter Thomas Andrew Walls, H.M.S. <i>Invincible</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Carpenter William Henry Venning, H.M.S. <i>Kent</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Carpenter George Henry Egford, H.M.S. <i>Cornwall</i>.</p> - - -<p class="center smcap p2">Petty Officers and Men</p> - -<p class="negin2">Ch. P.O. D. Leighton, O.N. 124238, <i>Kent</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">P.O., 2nd Cl., M. J. Walton (R.F.R., A1756), O.N. 118358, <i>Kent</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Ldg. Smn. F. S. Martin, O.N. 233301, <i>Invincible</i>, Gnr's Mate, -Gunlayer, 1st Cl.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Sigmn. F. Glover, O.N. 225731, <i>Cornwall</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Ch. E. R. Art., 2nd Cl., J. G. Hill, O.N. 269646, <i>Cornwall</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Actg. Ch. E. R. Art., 2nd Cl., R. Snowdon, O.N. 270654, <i>Inflexible</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">E. R. Art., 1st Cl., G. H. F. McCarten, O.N. 270023, <i>Invincible</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Stkr. P.O. G. S. Brewer, O.N. 150950, <i>Kent</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Stkr. P.O. W. A. Townsend, O.N. 301650, <i>Cornwall</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Stkr., 1st Cl., J. Smith, O.N. SS 111915, <i>Cornwall</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Shpwrt., 1st Cl., A. N. E. England, O.N. 341971, <i>Glasgow</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Shpwrt., 2nd Cl., A. C. H. Dymott, O.N. M. 8047, <i>Kent</i>.</p> - -<p class="negin2">Portsmouth R.F.R.B.-3307 Sergeant Charles Mayes, H.M.S. -<i>Kent</i>.</p> - -<p class="right padr4">F. C. D. STURDEE.</p> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> - - -<p class="pfs120">BATTLE OF FALKLAND ISLANDS,</p> - -<p class="pfs80">December 8th, 1914.</p> - -<h4>MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATION.</h4> - - -<p class="right p2"> -<span class="padr4">H.M.S. <i>Invincible</i>.</span><br /> -<em>11th December, 1914.</em></p> - -<p class="noindent"><em>Memorandum.</em></p> - -<p>The following copy of a telegram received from the -Admiralty, and the reply thereto, are forwarded for information. -Both of these messages are to be read to the -whole Ship's Company on the Quarter Deck of H.M. Ships -under your command.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr4">(Signed) <span class="smcap">F. C. D. Sturdee</span>,</span><br /> -<span class="padr6"><em>Vice-Admiral</em>,</span><br /> -<span class="padr2"><em>Commander-in-Chief</em>.</span></p> - -<p class="noindent"><em>The Rear-Admiral and Officers Commanding<br /> -<span class="pad3">H.M. Ships,</span><br /> -South Atlantic and South Pacific Squadron.</em></p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p class="right"> -<em>For</em> <span class="smcap">Admiral</span>, <i>Invincible</i>. (<em>Date</em>) 9.12.14</p> - -<p class="noindent"><em>From</em> <span class="smcap">Admiralty</span>.</p> - -<p>The following message has been received for you from -His Majesty:—</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> -<p>I heartily congratulate you and your officers and -men on your most opportune victory.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">George R.I.</span></p> - -<p>2. Our thanks are due to yourself and to officers -and men for the brilliant victory you have reported.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p> -<em>Reply to</em> <span class="smcap">His Majesty</span>:<br /> -</p> - -<p>Your Majesty's gracious message has been received with -pride and satisfaction by myself, the Rear-Admiral, Captains, -Officers, and Ship's Companies under my command.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span></p> - -<p>We hope soon to have the privilege of completing our -mission by disposing of the remaining cruiser.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Commander-in-Chief</span>, <i>Invincible</i>.</p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p class="noindent"><em>Reply to</em> <span class="smcap">Their Lordships</span>:</p> - -<p>Admiralty congratulations not received till to-day. -Myself, officers and men desire to thank their Lordships -for the approbation of our efforts.</p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p class="noindent"><em>From</em> <span class="smcap">C.-in-C. Home Fleets</span>, H.M.S. <i>Cyclops</i>.</p> - -<p class="right">(<em>Date</em>) 10.12.14. 1.14 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span></p> - -<p>With reference to your telegram 485<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> may I be permitted -to offer my sincere congratulations on the splendid success -attending your dispositions.</p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p class="noindent"><em>From</em> <span class="smcap">Admiral</span>, <em>Marseillaise, Brest</em>.</p> -<p class="rt">(<em>Date</em>) 10.12.14.</p> - -<p class="noindent"><em>To</em> <span class="smcap">Naval Attaché</span>.</p> - -<p>I beg to express to the Admiralty how fully I share their -joy at the brilliant revenge taken by the British Navy at -the Falklands.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">F.N.A. Office.</span></p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p class="noindent"><em>From Petrograd.</em></p> - -<p class="pad2"><em>To</em> <span class="smcap">Vice-Admiral Sturdee</span>, <em>Admiralty, London</em>.</p> - -<p class="right">(<em>Date</em>) 12.12.14. 3.0 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span></p> - -<p>Please accept Heartiest Congratulations from the Russian -Navy for the Brilliant Action of your Squadron in fighting -the Enemy and sweeping out the oceans.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Vice-Admiral Roussie Nomer.</span></p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p class="noindent"><em>From</em> <span class="smcap">C.-in-C. Home Fleets</span>, H.M.S. <i>Cyclops</i>.</p> - -<p class="right">(<em>Date</em>) 11.12.14. 4.58 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span></p> - -<p>Submit the hearty congratulation of the Grand Fleet -on his victory may be conveyed to Admiral Sturdee.</p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> - -<p>Messages exchanged between H.E. the Governor of the -Falkland Islands and C.-in-C. South Atlantic and Pacific:</p> - -<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">Governor</span> <em>to</em> <span class="smcap">Vice-Admiral</span>:</p> -<p class="rt"><em>11th December, 1914.</em></p> - -<p>Warmest congratulations from self and Colony on your -Victory.</p> - -<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">Vice-Admiral</span> <em>to</em> <span class="smcap">Governor</span>:</p> - -<p>May I thank you and the Colony for myself, the R.A., -Captains, Officers and men of the Squadron for your congratulations -on our success, which will not be complete -until <i>Dresden</i> is accounted for. We wish to convey our thanks -for the early warning of the approach of the enemy due -to the good lookout from Sapper's Hill.</p> - -<p>We feel the honour that the <i>Canopus</i> and the Squadron -were in a position to prevent an old British Colony from -being insulted or injured in any way, and hope that the -enemy will have been taught a lesson not to repeat such -action against any other part of the British Empire.</p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p>This Memorandum is to be read to whole Ship's Company -on the Quarter Deck.</p> - -<p class="right padr2"><em>Invincible, at Port William,</em></p> - -<p class="right"><em>11th December, 1914.</em></p> - -<p class="noindent"><em>Memorandum.</em></p> - -<p>The Commander-in-Chief wishes to congratulate all the -ships of the squadron on the success of their main encounter -with the enemy's squadron, and to thank the Rear-Admiral, -Captains, Officers and Men for their individual assistance -in attaining this great result. The zeal and steadiness under -fire of all hands were most noticeable.</p> - -<p>2. The victory will not be complete until the remaining -cruiser is accounted for, and directly the squadron is coaled -a further organised search will be made.</p> - -<p>3. One of the greatest merits of the action is the small -list of casualties due to the able handling of the ships by -their Captains, who utilised the power of the guns and the -speed of the ships to the best advantage. Further, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> -effective fire at long range and the thorough organization -were very evident and enabled the action to be fought with -success against a foe who displayed splendid courage, determination -and efficiency.</p> - -<p>4. The excellent way in which the Engine Room Departments -responded to a sudden and unexpected demand -reflects great credit on the officers and the whole engine -room complements—this demand was made at a time when -ships were coaling and making good defects during the few -hours the ships were in harbour.</p> - -<p>5. The successful disposal of the two powerful cruisers, -two of the three light cruisers, and two colliers, will be of -great advantage to the Naval Strategy of the British Empire.</p> - -<p>6. Therefore all concerned can feel that they have performed -a National Service on the 8th December, 1914, off -the Falkland Islands.</p> - -<p class="right padr2">(Signed) <span class="smcap">F. C. D. Sturdee</span>,<br /> -<span class="padr4"><em>Vice-Admiral</em>,</span><br /> -<em>Commander-in-Chief</em>.</p> - -<p class="negin2"><em>The Rear-Admiral, Captains, Officers, and all concerned,<br /> -South Atlantic and South Pacific Squadron.</em></p> - - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p> - -<h4>GALLANT SERVICES<br /> -<br /> -<span class="fs90">"KENT" SERGEANT'S BRAVE DEED</span></h4> - - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr6"><em>Lord Chamberlain's Office,</em></span><br /> -<span class="padr4"><em>St. James's Palace, S.W.,</em></span><br /> -<em>3rd March, 1915.</em><br /> -</p> - -<p class="noindent">The <span class="smcap">King</span> has been graciously pleased to give orders for -the following appointment to the Most Honourable Order -of the Bath in recognition of the services of the undermentioned -Officer mentioned in the foregoing dispatch:—</p> - -<p class="center"><em>To be an Additional Member of the Military Division of the -Third Class or Companion:</em></p> - -<p class="pad3"><span class="smcap">Captain John Luce</span>, Royal Navy.</p> - - -<p class="p2 right"> -<span class="padr4"><em>Admiralty, S.W.,</em></span><br /> -<em>3rd March, 1915.</em></p> - -<p class="noindent">The <span class="smcap">King</span> has been graciously pleased to give orders for -the award of the <em>Distinguished Service Cross</em> to the undermentioned -officers in recognition of their services mentioned -in the foregoing dispatch:—</p> - -<p class="noindent pad4 smcap"> -Carpenter Thomas Andrew Walls.<br /> -Carpenter William Henry Venning.<br /> -Carpenter George Henry Egford.</p> - - -<p class="p2" /> -<p>The following awards have also been made:—</p> - -<p class="center"><em>To receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal:</em></p> - -<p>Portsmouth R.F.R.B.-3307 Sergeant Charles Mayes, H.M.S. -<i>Kent</i>. A shell burst and ignited some cordite charges in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> -casemate; a flash of flame went down the hoist into the ammunition -passage. Sergeant Mayes picked up a charge of cordite -and threw it away. He then got hold of a fire hose and flooded -the compartment, extinguishing the fire in some empty shell -bags which were burning. The extinction of this fire saved a -disaster which might have led to the loss of the ship.</p> - - -<p class="p2" /> -<p class="center"><em>To receive the Distinguished Service Medal:</em></p> - -<p class="noindent"> -Chf. P.O. D. Leighton, O.N. 124238.<br /> -P.O., 2nd Cl., M. J. Walton (R.F.R., A1756), O.N. 118358.<br /> -Ldg. Smn. F. S. Martin, O.N. 233301, Gnr's Mate, Gunlayer, 1st Cl.<br /> -Sigmn. F. Glover, O.N. 225731.<br /> -Chf. E.-R. Artr., 2nd Cl., J. G. Hill, O.N. 269646.<br /> -Actg. Chf. E.-R. Artr., 2nd Cl., R. Snowdon, O.N. 270654.<br /> -E.-R. Artr., 1st Cl., G. H. F. McCarten, O.N. 270023.<br /> -Stkr. P.O. G. S. Brewer, O.N. 150950.<br /> -Stkr. P.O. W. A. Townsend, O.N. 301650.<br /> -Stkr., 1st Cl., J. Smith, O.N. SS 111915.<br /> -Shpwrt., 1st Cl., A. N. E. England, O.N. 341971.<br /> -Shpwrt., 2nd Cl., A. C. H. Dymott, O.N. M. 8047.<br /> -</p> - - -<p class="p1" /> -<p>The following officers subsequently received recognition:—</p> - -<p>Vice-Admiral Sir F. C. Doveton Sturdee, K.C.B., C.V.O., -C.M.G., was honoured with a Baronetcy of the United -Kingdom.</p> - -<p class="p2" /> -<p>To be made Companions of the military division of the Bath:—</p> - -<p class="noindent pad2"> -Captain John Luce (H.M.S. <i>Glasgow</i>).<br /> -Captain J. D. Allen (H.M.S. <i>Kent</i>).<br /> -</p> - -<p>Engineer-Commander E. J. Weeks was promoted to -Acting Engineer-Captain.</p> - - -<p class="p1" /> -<p>The 1st Lieutenants of the <i>Invincible</i>, <i>Inflexible</i>, <i>Cornwall</i>, -<i>Kent</i>, and <i>Glasgow</i> were all promoted to the rank of Commander -in the next batch of promotions on December 31st, -1914:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p> - -<p class="noindent pad2"> -Lieutenant-Commander J. Wolfe-Murray (<i>Cornwall</i>).<br /> -Lieutenant-Commander H. E. Danreuther (<i>Invincible</i>).<br /> -Lieutenant-Commander W. A. Thompson (<i>Glasgow</i>).<br /> -Lieutenant-Commander E. L. Wharton (<i>Kent</i>).<br /> -Lieutenant-Commander R. H. C. Verner (<i>Inflexible</i>).<br /> -</p> - -<p class="p1" /> -<p>Engineer Lieutenant-Commander J. F. Shaw, the senior -officer of his rank in the squadron, was promoted to Engineer -Commander.</p> - - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p> - - -<h4 class="wsp">LIST OF BRITISH CASUALTIES<br /><br /> -AT THE FALKLAND ISLANDS</h4> - - -<p class="p1" /> -<p class="noindent">The following is the complete revised casualty list of the -action off the Falkland Islands on December 8th, 1914:—</p> - - -<p class="p1 center">H.M.S. "GLASGOW"</p> - -<p><em>Killed.</em>—Martell, E. H., stoker petty officer, Po./310682.</p> - -<p><em>Dangerously wounded.</em>—Bridger, M. J. E., A.B., Po./J7095.</p> - -<p><em>Severely wounded.</em>—Ford, H. B. S., signalman, Po./J4597; -Major, P. E., shipwright 2nd class, Po./344489; Scotchmer, -A. D., A.B., Po./232275.</p> - - -<p class="p1 center">H.M.S. "INFLEXIBLE"</p> - -<p><em>Killed.</em>—Livingstone, N., A.B., (R.F.R., Ch./B3593), Ch./190790.</p> - -<p><em>Slightly wounded.</em>—Hasler, T., ord. seaman, Ch./J18032; -Mayes, A., seaman, R.N.R., 4754A; Spratt, G. F., A.B., Ch./237219.</p> - - -<p class="p1 center">H.M.S. "KENT"</p> - -<p><em>Killed.</em>—Kelly, S., pte., R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., A366), Po./3793; -Kind, W. J., pte., R.M.L.I., Po./15049; Titheridge, A. C., pte., -R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., B1254), Po./11220; Wood, W., pte. R.M.L.I., -Po./16920; Young, W., seaman, R.N.R., 2543C.</p> - -<p><em>Died of wounds.</em>—Duckett, G. A., officers' steward 1st cl., -Po./L2428; Snow, G., pte., R.M.L.I., Po./16858; Spence, T., -sergt., R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., A811), Po./5674.</p> - -<p><em>Wounded.</em>—Arnold, W. P., R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., B860), -Po./8302; Brewer, G. S., stoker petty officer (R.F.R., A3572), -Po./150950; Day, F. T., pte., R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., A1008), -Ch./6517; Lindsey, H., stoker 1st cl. (R.F.R., B3754), Po./SS101403; -Joy, E., lance-corporal R.M.L.I. (R.F.R., B659), -Po./10568; Pear, J., stoker 1st cl. (R.F.R., 4172), Po./SS102840; -Restall, J., stoker 1st cl. (R.F.R., B4055), Po./291073; Sheridan, -A. P., pte., R.M.L.I., Po./13708.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p> - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h3><a name="DRESDEN" id="DRESDEN"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">THE "DRESDEN": ACTION WITH -"KENT" AND "GLASGOW"</a></h3> - - -<p class="noindent">The Secretary of the Admiralty makes the following announcement:—</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>On 14th March, at 9 <span class="smcap fs80">A.M.</span>, H.M.S. <i>Glasgow</i>, Captain John -Luce, C.B., R.N.; H.M. Auxiliary Cruiser <i>Orama</i>, Captain -John R. Segrave, R.N.; and H.M.S. <i>Kent</i>, Captain John D. -Allen, C.B., R.N., caught the <i>Dresden</i> near Juan Fernandez -Island.</p> - -<p>An action ensued. After five minutes' fighting the <i>Dresden</i> -hauled down her colours and displayed the white flag.</p> - -<p>She was much damaged and set on fire, and after she -had been burning for some time her magazine exploded, -and she sank.</p> - -<p>The crew were saved. Fifteen badly wounded Germans -are being landed at Valparaiso.</p> - -<p>There were no British casualties, and no damage to the -ships.</p></div> - - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></p> - - -<p class="p6" /> -<p class="pfs120 smcap">Appendix</p> - -<p class="pfs90">A LIST OF OFFICERS SERVING<br /> -IN THE ACTIONS RECORDED IN<br /> -THE NARRATIVE</p> -<p class="p6" /> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span><br /> - <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span></p> - - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<h2><a name="APPENDIX" id="APPENDIX"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">APPENDIX</a></h2> - -<p class="noindent pad2">A List of Officers serving in the Ships that took -part in the Actions recorded in the Narrative.</p> - - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "CARMANIA"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Armed Merchantman</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Noel Grant</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Com. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">James Barr</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Edmund L. B. Lockyer</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Com. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Wm. J. O'Neill</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Peter A. Murchie</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">E. B. Dalby</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Walter C. Battle</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">J. Henessey</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">M. F. Murray</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William V. Ogley (<em>act.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">A. Parnis (<em>act.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Francis Drummond</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sen. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">James Mcdonald</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Robert Craig</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Alexander Lindsay</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Claude Shore</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Robert Wilson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John O. Teare</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James Duncan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Harold Kendall</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Charles Rennie</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Walt Fraser</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James McPherson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet-Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">A. Cropley (<em>ret.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Tempy. Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">E. Maynard</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Harry Clough</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> - <em>Ch. Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">Henry Middleton</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Act. Sub-Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">G. F. Dickens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Joseph Verdin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Albert E. Brittlebank</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Percival J. Thompson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym. R.N.R. (in charge)</em></td><td class="tdl">Walter H. Ramsden</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur H. Burden</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Ernest W. Turney</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">William Man</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">D. N. Colson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">E. R. Linger-Burton (<em>proby.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">J. R. Bane (<em>proby.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">W. Barr (<em>proby.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">R. P. Nisbet (<em>proby.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">J. B. Mein (<em>proby.</em>)</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "GOOD HOPE"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Armoured Cruiser</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Rear-Admiral</em></td><td class="tdl">Sir Christopher G. F. M. Cradock,<br />K.C.V.O., C.B.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="2"><em>Personal Staff</em></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Secretary</em></td><td class="tdl">George B. Owens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Flag Lieut.-Com.</em></td><td class="tdl">George E. Cumming</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut. R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Harold S. Walker</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Clerk to Sec.</em></td><td class="tdl">John Egremont</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edward C. Webber</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Philip Francklin, M.V.O.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur T. Darley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Walter Scott</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Percival Van Straubenzee</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Gerald B. Gaskell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Godfrey B. J. Benyon</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Lancelot A. Montgomery</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Gordon E. E. Gray</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John M. H. Fisher</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Douglas C. Tudor</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Arthur G. Smith</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Edward J. French</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Com.</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur Brown</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieut.-Com.</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert W. Couch</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Major R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Frederick C. Edwards</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Chaplain</em></td><td class="tdl">Rev. Arthur H. J. Pitt</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">James J. Walsh, M.B.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">Alfred H. Veitch</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Francis C. Searle</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surgeon</em> (<em>Reserve</em>)</td><td class="tdl">Ferdinand L. J. M. de Verteuil, M.B.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieutenant</em> (<em>act.</em>)</td><td class="tdl">Francis J. A. Cotter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">John E. Tizard</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Stuart Watson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">George F. Organ</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Sig. Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">William Penny</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> - <em>Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">Franklyn F. Stephens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John W. Bushell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Warrant Officer</em> (<em>act.</em>)</td><td class="tdl">Robert C. T. Roe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">William D. Wright</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Francis A. G. Oakley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Robert J. Page (<em>act.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William W. Kingdom (<em>act.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Carpenter</em></td><td class="tdl">Albert J. Hellyer</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Artif. Eng.</em></td><td class="tdl">Richard M. Healy</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William R. Henon</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Joseph Duckworth</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Wt. Mechanician</em></td><td class="tdl">William A. Bass</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Mid. R.C.N.</em></td><td class="tdl">W. A. Palmer</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">F. V. W. Hathaway</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">A. W. Silver</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">M. Cann</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Mid. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Graham Trounson (<em>proby.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Henry K. D. Cuthbert (<em>proby.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Geoffrey M. Dowding (<em>proby.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Clerk</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles G. Cook (<em>tempy.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Naval Cadet</em></td><td class="tdl">G. Coffin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">I. M. R. Campbell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">S. M. Raw</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">D. A. Willey</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">R. A. Macdonald</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "MONMOUTH"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Armoured Cruiser</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Frank Brandt</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Spencer D. Forbes</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Bertie W. Bluett</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Hugh D. Collins</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Hon. Peter R. H. D. Willoughby</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">John A. Lees</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Thomas Stapleton</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Harry P. Rogers</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Alfred Edgar</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Wilfred D. Stirling</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Maurice J. H. Bagot</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Com.</em></td><td class="tdl">John B. Wilshin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Bernard C. Child</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Lionel B. Wansbrough</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Captain R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Geoffrey M. I. Herford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Chaplain</em></td><td class="tdl pad4">———</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Staff Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Henry Woods</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">John Cooper</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Albert J. Tonkinson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Hanway Cooper</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">Douglas B. Lee</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">Robert T. H. V. Lee</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Carpenter</em></td><td class="tdl">Frederick G. Hartland</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">James Bennett</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">William J. Barrett</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Thomas B. Ireland (<em>act.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Artif. Eng.</em></td><td class="tdl">George H. Farebrother</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Alfred T. Johns</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William Day</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Wt. Mechanician</em></td><td class="tdl">Alfred Start</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Wt. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles Driver</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Clerk</em></td><td class="tdl">Basil St. M. Cardew</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Clerk</em></td><td class="tdl">Cecil T. Martin (<em>tempy.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Naval Cadet</em></td><td class="tdl">K. A. M. Somerville</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">G. R. Bruce</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> - </td><td class="tdl">J. F. Boulton</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">V. G. E. S. Schreiber</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">J. R. Le G. Pullen</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">F. A. Cooper</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">C. Musgrave</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">J. M. Pascoe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">G. W. Muir</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">P. S. Candy</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "GLASGOW"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Light Cruiser</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">John Luce</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Wilfred A. Thompson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Charles L. Backhouse</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Maurice P. B. Portman</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert I. N. Lyon</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Charles G. Stuart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Walter M. Knowles</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">T. W. F. Winter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Frederick B. Alison</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieut.-Com.</em></td><td class="tdl">Percy J. Shrubsole</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieut.</em></td><td class="tdl">John S. Machan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Robert T. Gilmour</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Staff Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Alexander T. Wysard (<em>ret.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Staff Paymaster</em></td><td class="tdl">Francis E. Adams</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">Lloyd Hirst</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Norman H. Beall</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur G. Foreman</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William R. Heilbroun</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">George H. Bartlett</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Carpenter</em></td><td class="tdl">Sylvester G. Pawley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Artif. Eng.</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles A. Palser</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James Milne (<em>act.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">George W. Wilson</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "OTRANTO"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Armed Merchantman</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert M. Edwards</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Walter de M. Baynham, R.D.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Julian M. Ogilvie</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">T. B. Storey</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">H. W. Woodcock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">H. G. Thompson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">R. M. Ward</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">F. R. O'Sullivan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">A. W. Clemson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">David Montgomery</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sen. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">William J. Philip</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Engineer R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">William Mackersie</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Robert Pittendrigh</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Andrew Allen</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Adam A. I. Kirk</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Tempy. Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">W. Meikle</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">S. Robertson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">G. F. Willdigg</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">R. Roscoe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Alan Cameron</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Peter Brown</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Thomas R. Blellock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Alexander C. Mearns</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John Gemmell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Aymer. R. McDougall</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William McL. Allan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Roland H. Draper</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Thomas B. Wildman</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">W. J. Drew (<em>ret.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles E. F. St. John</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Herbert J. Anchor</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">George D. Scott</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">George E. D. Billam</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">D. N. White</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">C. C. Lawrence</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "CANOPUS"</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Heathcote S. Grant</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Philip J. Stopford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Andrew Kerr (<em>ret.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Philip Hordern</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Harry T. Bennett</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Henry N. Lesley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Owen W. Phillips</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Com. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur H. Bird</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles T. Keigwin. R.D.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Clarence Milner</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">David M. Clarke (<em>act.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William A. Williamson (<em>act.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Malcolm C. Powell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">William Denbow</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieut.-Com.</em></td><td class="tdl">Sydney P. Start</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Captain R.M.L.I.</em></td><td class="tdl">Gerald S. Hobson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Paymaster</em></td><td class="tdl">Albert Greenwood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles C. Cartwright</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William J. Donohue</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Staff Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">August J. Wernet</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Tempy. Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Michael Vlaste</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surgeon R.N.V.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles H. F. Atkinson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Harold E. W. Lutt</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Chaplain</em></td><td class="tdl">Rev. James D. de Vitre</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">John Myers</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">James Irish</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">William Evans</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William E. T. Honey (<em>act.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Artificer Eng.</em></td><td class="tdl">Walter G. Morris</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Art. Eng.</em></td><td class="tdl">Ernest E. Moorey</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Wt. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">T. W. Greenwood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Carpenter</em></td><td class="tdl">Albert Hughes</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman</em></td><td class="tdl">C. R. O. Burge</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">R. T. Young</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">P. R. Malet de Carteret</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> - </td><td class="tdl">J. L. Storey</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">H. M. L. Durrant</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">R. H. L. Orde</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">R. K. Dickson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">B. R. Cochrane</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">L. H. P. Henderson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">L. H. V. Booth</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Mate</em></td><td class="tdl">R. C. T. Roe (<em>act.</em>), left by <i>Good Hope</i> on an island at Vallenar Roads, Chile</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Clerk</em></td><td class="tdl">Jean le Jeune</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman, R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Lawrence H. Faragher</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "CARNARVON"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Armoured Cruiser</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Rear-Admiral</em></td><td class="tdl">Archibald P. Stoddart</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Secretary</em></td><td class="tdl">Thomas R. Waterhouse</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Flag Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Hon. Humphrey A. Pakington</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Clerk to Sec.</em></td><td class="tdl">H. Guy Pertwee</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Harry L. d'E. Skipwith</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Thomas A. Williams</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Ronald E. Chilcott</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur S. Burt</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Arthur G. Leslie</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Ralph Leatham</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">A. M. Donovan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">David B. Nicol</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Bertram Shillitoe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Bertram H. Davies</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Alfred T. P. Read</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Edward Iliff</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Maj. R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Edmund Wray</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Captain R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur J. Mellor</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Chaplain</em></td><td class="tdl">Rev. John Beatty</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Edward Cooper</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">Albert E. B. Hosken</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur G. Valpy French</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surgeon R.N.V.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">William H. Condell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Philip F. Glover</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Frederick W. F. Cuddeford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">Herebert E. Symons</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">William H. Hunt</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Sidney C. Woodriffe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John F. Hannaford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">W. H. Ellis</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">Alfred Hill</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Albert E. Pearson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sig. Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert H. Hunwicks</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> - <em>Carpenter</em></td><td class="tdl">Norman O. Staddon</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Artif. Eng.</em></td><td class="tdl">Harold E. Oyler</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Claude B. King</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James Telford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Charles Hill</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William S. Branson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Clerk</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles H. Doubleday</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman</em></td><td class="tdl">J. R. Warburton</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">P. M. S. Blackett</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">P. J. M. Penney</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">S. P. Broughton</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">A. C. Jelf</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">R. M. Dick</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">R. G. Fowle</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">C. J. M. Hamilton</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">J. C. E. A. Johnson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">M. S. Graham</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">R. Mandley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">L. H. Peppe</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "CORNWALL"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Armoured Cruiser</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Walter M. Ellerton</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert A. Buchanan-Wollaston</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">James Wolfe-Murray</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Henry E. H. Spencer-Cooper, M.V.O.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Mansel B. F. Colvile</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edward W. Sinclair</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Kenneth B. Millar</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Norman Whitehead</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John S. Hammill</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Robin E. Jeffreys</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Desmond A. Stride</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William H. Richardson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Archibald W. Maconochie</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Douglas G. Campbell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Cecil J. Meggs</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Captain R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert R. Brewer</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Chaplain and N.I.</em></td><td class="tdl">Robert McKew, B.A., B.D.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Malcolm Cameron</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Paymaster</em></td><td class="tdl">Harry G. Wilson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Naval Inst.</em></td><td class="tdl">Chas. S. P. Franklin, B.A.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">George H. Andrew, M.A.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Cecil R. M. Baker</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">Henry Rogers</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Joseph H. Wilson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Art. Eng.</em></td><td class="tdl">Thomas R. I. Crabb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edwin C. Edwards</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">Ernest Stone</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Richard F. Hall</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edward W. Pearne (<em>T.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">Ernest H. Gearing</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Carpenter</em></td><td class="tdl">George H. Egford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Art. Eng.</em></td><td class="tdl">Percy S. Walkey</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edwin Foster</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman</em></td><td class="tdl">Philip F. Armstrong</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Arthur H. Ashworth</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> - </td><td class="tdl">Hugh E. Burnaby</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John Bostock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Douglas M. Branson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Lycett Gardiner</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Jocelyn S. Bethell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Morice Blood</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Richard F. Carter</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Willoughby N. Barstow</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Nigel D. Bury</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William S. Batson</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "BRISTOL"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Light Cruiser</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Basil H. Fanshawe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Harry L. Boyle</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Ernest G. H. Du Boulay</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Robert F. U. P. Fitzgerald</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Archibald B. Cornabé</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edward G. G. Hastings</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">James A. Hodges</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">James D. W. H. F. Cranley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Edward G. Sanders</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Staff Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Leslie M. Morris</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Staff Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">Tom Henley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Cyril A. H. Brooking</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Charles H. L. Woodhouse</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">Stephen W. Duckett</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">George W. Callaway</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">Frank Box</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Carpenter</em></td><td class="tdl">William L. Harfield</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Artif. Eng.</em></td><td class="tdl">William Tearle</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Joseph L. Wagstaff</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Clerk</em></td><td class="tdl">John G. B. Collier</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James Hogg</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "MACEDONIA"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Armed Merchantman</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Bertram S. Evans, M.V.O.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Edwin P. Martin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Valentine D. English</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Com. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Henry G. Westmore, R.D.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">W. F. Pollard</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">W. C. Young</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">T. C. W. Thompson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">F. Cross</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">James G. Crichton</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sen. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Thomas S. Ferguson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">William C. O. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Walter J. Hickingbotham</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James Finnecy</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">George R. R. Cushing</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edmund J. Caws</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Frederick P. Voisey</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Tempy. Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">A. M. Russell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Alfred W. Drew</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">E. F. Hannan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">O. Taylor</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Jeffery Elliott</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surg. Prob. R.N.V.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Harold Williamson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Eng. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Oliver J. R. Pinkney</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">F. C. Masters</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Joseph Neale</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William G. Cheeseman</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym. in charge</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert W. Landon</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Percy Selwin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">James W. Drew</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">H. J. Miller</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">G. V. Thomas</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">F. H. E. Firmstone</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Gordon D. Brown</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">B. V. Rutley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">W. G. Hiscock</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "ORAMA"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Armed Merchantman</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">John R. Segrave</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">John F. Healey, R.D.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Joseph W. L. Hunt</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Geoffrey G. Thorne</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edward S. Carver</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Henry T. Heale (<em>ret.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Allen Fielding</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Frederick W. Willsden (<em>ret.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">T. P. Webb</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">W. A. Assenheimer</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Engineer</em></td><td class="tdl">John Robertson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sen. Engineer</em></td><td class="tdl">Donald McL. McWilliam</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Engineer</em></td><td class="tdl">J. R. Dowling</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James Imrie</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">H. P. Jack</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Alexander S. Hall</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Engineer</em></td><td class="tdl">Alexander Manson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Neil H. T. Hill</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Charles W. Howil</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Donald Matheson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">David A. Sheeby</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">David M. Johnston</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William Turner</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William Houston</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James Piggott</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James McAdam</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">George Herd</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Tempy. Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert E. Scowcroft</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Sydney Welham</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieut. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">M. W. Cooksey</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert Newman</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John F. Cooper</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur J. Burstow</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Edward Roberts</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Stuart F. Pocock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> - </td><td class="tdl">Leonard E. Fordham</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Bernard K. Berry</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">S. S. Adley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">H. Schofield</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">H. C. C. Forsyth</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">G. E. G. Sandercock</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "INVINCIBLE"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Battle-Cruiser</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Vice-Admiral</em></td><td class="tdl">Sir F. C. Doveton Sturdee, K.C.B., C.V.O., C.M.G.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Secretary</em></td><td class="tdl">Cyril S. Johnson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Flag Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Reginald W. Blake</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Clerk to Sec.</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur D. Duckworth</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Percy T. H. Beamish</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Richard H. D. Townsend</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Hubert E. Dannreuther</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Hon. Edward B. S. Bingham</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John C. F. Borrett</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Lionel H. Shore</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edward Smyth-Osbourne</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Cecil S. Sandford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Cameron St. C. Ingham</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Hugh H. G. Begbie</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">George ff. H. Lloyd</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Edward J. Weeks</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">James F. Shaw</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Francis L. Mogg</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Major R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Robert C. Colquhoun</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Captain R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles H. Malden</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Temp. Lieut. R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">John T. Le Seelleur</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Chaplain</em></td><td class="tdl">Rev. Arthur C. Moreton, M.A.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">Ernest W. Mainprice</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Walter J. Bearblock</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Ernest MacEwan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Clarence E. Greeson, M.B.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Alexander P. McMullen</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Robert R. Stewart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">Gordon Franklin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Clement A. Woodland</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">William C. Hunt</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Robert Connolly</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Mark W. Cameron</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> - </td><td class="tdl">Ernest J. Read</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Sydney C. Kennell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">Frederick Luker</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Philip J. Warrington</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Wilfred Turner</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sig. Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">William F. Raper</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Albert E. Nixon</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Carpenter</em></td><td class="tdl">Thomas A. Walls</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Artf. Engineer</em></td><td class="tdl">Walter H. Bull</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John Dews</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Frederick C. Fry</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Clerk</em></td><td class="tdl">William R. C. Steele</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman</em></td><td class="tdl">Gordon T. Campbell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edwin T. Hodgson</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Douglas A. C. Birch</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John M. Shorland</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John H. G. Esmonde</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Allan G. McEwan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Rupert C. Montagu</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Lionel D. Morse</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Duncan G. Reid</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "INFLEXIBLE"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Battle-Cruiser</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">Richard F. Phillimore, C.B., M.V.O.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Ernest Wigram</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John W. Carrington</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Rudolf H. C. Verner</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Hon. Patrick G. E. C. Acheson, M.V.O.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Frederic Giffard</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Ralph B. Janvrin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Edward C. Denison</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Kenneth H. D. Acland</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Arthur W. Blaker</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Brian L. G. Sebastian</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert J. Giles</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Harry Lashmore</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur E. Lester</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Rey G. Parry</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Major R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">John B. Finlaison</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Captain R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Robert Sinclair</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Chaplain</em></td><td class="tdl">Rev. Ernest S. Phillips, M.A.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Edward H. Meaden</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">Henry Horniman</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">John H. B. Martin, M.B., B.A.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Martyn H. Langford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sub-Lieutenant</em> (<em>act.</em>)</td><td class="tdl">Thos. H. Welsby</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Alexander C. G. Madden</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Leicester St. J. Curzon-Howe</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Robert D. Oliver</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Alfred E. B. Giles</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John H. Macnair</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">George T. Philip</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Terence H. Back</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym.</em></td><td class="tdl">John F. Stephens</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">Edward Fox</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">Alfred M. Cady</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Ch. Artf. Eng.</em></td><td class="tdl">George E. Martin</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> - <em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">John H. Moore</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Frederick W. Furmadge</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">John A. Brander</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sig. Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">Phillip J. Jones</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">John Cameron</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Carpenter</em></td><td class="tdl">William A. Cawsey</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Artf. Engineer</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles A. Richards</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Artf. Eng.</em> (<em>act.</em>)</td><td class="tdl">William S. Barnes</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Bandmaster R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Herbert Reely</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman</em></td><td class="tdl">Rupert E. Bethune</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John D. Chapple</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Regd. G. France-Hayhurst</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">David D. Mercer</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Clerk</em></td><td class="tdl">Crichton F. Laborde</td></tr> -</table></div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p> - -<p class="p2 center">H.M.S. "KENT"</p> - -<p class="pfs80">Armoured Cruiser</p> - -<div class="center fs90"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl wd40"><em>Captain</em></td><td class="tdl">John D. Allen</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Arthur E. F. Bedford</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">Eric L. Wharton</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James R. Harvey</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Victor H. Danckwerts</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieut.-Com. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Charles M. Redhead, R.D.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Lieutenant R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Harold T. Dunn</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Frederic C. Howard</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">William G. B. Jones</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Walter R. Tilling</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">James Marshall</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John L. S. G. Lilley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Commander</em></td><td class="tdl">George E. Andrew</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Eng. Lieutenant</em></td><td class="tdl">Victor O. Foreman (<em>ret.</em>)</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Captain R.M.</em></td><td class="tdl">Robert W. J. Laing</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Chaplain</em></td><td class="tdl">Rev. Norman B. Kent, B.A.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Fleet Surgeon</em></td><td class="tdl">Edward B. Pickthorn (<em>ret.</em> )</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Paymaster</em></td><td class="tdl">Sydney G. Andrews</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Temp. Surg.</em></td><td class="tdl">Ronald E. B. Burn</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Surgeon R.N.V.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Thomas B. Dixon</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Asst. Paym. R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">William G. Stewart</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Gunner</em></td><td class="tdl">Thomas P. Collins</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Claude H. Griffiths</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">William T. Dunning</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Walter H. Speed</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Sig. Boatswain</em></td><td class="tdl">Leonard C. Croucher</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Carpenter</em></td><td class="tdl">William H. Venning</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Artf. Engineer</em></td><td class="tdl">William Muirhead</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Wt. Engineer R.N.R</em></td><td class="tdl">John Garrow</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John W. Scott</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Donald Campbell</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Robert L. Burridge</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">John D. Ross</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">David T. M. Williams</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">George C. B. Liley</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> - </td><td class="tdl">Cecil B. Hogan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Harold W. S. Wright</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Midshipman R.N.R.</em></td><td class="tdl">Frederick E. Valentine</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">George W. Barker</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl">Edgar H. Cowan</td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdl"><em>Clerk</em></td><td class="tdl">Reginald H. Kitchin</td></tr> -</table></div> - - - <div class="chapter"></div> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> - - -<h2><a name="INDEX" id="INDEX"></a><a href="#CONTENTS">INDEX</a></h2> - - -<p> -<br /> -Allardyce, the Hon. William, Governor of Falkland Islands, <a href="#Page_138">138</a><br /> -<br /> -Allen, Captain J. D., of <i>Kent</i>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">a tribute to crew of <i>Kent</i> by, <a href="#Page_131">131</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">created a C.B., <a href="#Page_191">191</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<a name="AMS" id="AMS"></a> -America (South), apprehension in, <a href="#Page_24">24</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">Germans in, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">scenery of, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Asama</i> in eastern Pacific, <a href="#Page_46">46</a><br /> -<br /> -Atlantic (South), battle in, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_169">169</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Australia</i> joins North Pacific squadron, <a href="#Page_72">72</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Baden</i> sunk by <i>Bristol</i>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a><br /> -<br /> -Barr, Acting-Commander James C., awarded C.B., <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> -<br /> -Battle-cruiser action, a, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_181">181</a><br /> -<br /> -Beamish, Captain P. H., of <i>Invincible</i>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a><br /> -<br /> -Boarding parties and their work, <a href="#Page_29">29</a><br /> -<br /> -Brandt, Captain Frank, of <i>Monmouth</i>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br /> -<br /> -Brazilian ports, enemy shipping at, <a href="#Page_25">25</a><br /> -<br /> -Brewer, Stkr. P.O. G. S., a D.S.M. for, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Bristol</i>, officers of, <a href="#Page_211">211</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">opens fire on <i>Karlsruhe</i>, <a href="#Page_9">9</a></span><br /> -<br /> -British casualties in the Falklands, <a href="#Page_193">193–4</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">men-of-war off South America, <a href="#Page_19">19–27</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Canada purchases submarines, <a href="#Page_7">7</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Canopus</i>, an amusing incident on, <a href="#Page_90">90</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">converted into a floating fort, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">fine work of, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">good shooting by, <a href="#Page_90">90</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_205">205</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">skilful navigation of, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Cap Trafalgar</i>, sinking of, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">official dispatch on action, <a href="#Page_169">169</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Carmania</i>, a conflagration on, <a href="#Page_38">38</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">decorations for officers and men, <a href="#Page_171">171</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">heroism of crew, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_197">197–8</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">sinks <i>Cap Trafalgar</i>, <a href="#Page_9">9–10</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a> <em>et seq.</em>, <a href="#Page_169">169</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Carnarvon</i>, a German's toast, <a href="#Page_108">108</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">a valuable capture by, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">chases the enemy, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Chilean coast, action off the (<em>see</em> <a href="#COR">Coronel, battle of</a>)<br /> -<br /> -China, German squadron in, <a href="#Page_4">4</a><br /> -<br /> -Coaling, the "delights" of, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a><br /> -<br /> -Colson, Midshipman D.N., awarded D.S.C., <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> -<br /> -Concentration, necessity of, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Cornwall</i> chases enemy, <a href="#Page_110">110</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">decorations for crew, <a href="#Page_121">121–3</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">escorts <i>Carmania</i> to base, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_209">209</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">opens fire on <i>Leipzig</i>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<a name="COR" id="COR"></a> -Coronel, battle of, <a href="#Page_45">45</a> <em>et seq.</em><br /> -<span class="pad1">enemy torpedo attack at, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">official dispatches on, <a href="#Page_172">172–7</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">outstanding features of, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">unreliable accounts of, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">vessels engaged in, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">visibility conditions advantageous to enemy, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">von Spee's report on, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_174">174</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Cradock, Rear-Admiral Sir Christopher, a tribute to, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">goes down with his ship, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">his command reinforced, <a href="#Page_23">23</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">his objective at Coronel, <a href="#Page_50">50</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">hoists his flag, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">sights and chases <i>Karlsruhe</i>, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Crown of Galicia</i>, German prisoners on, <a href="#Page_139">139</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Danreuther, Lieut.-Com. H. E., promotion for, <a href="#Page_192">192</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Defence</i> essays to join southern command, <a href="#Page_27">27</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">sails for Cape Town, <a href="#Page_79">79</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Dickens, Acting Sub-Lieut. G. F., awarded D.S.C., <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> -<br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> -<i>Dresden</i>, a vain search for, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">arrives at Orange Bay, <a href="#Page_7">7</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">chase of, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">eludes her pursuers, <a href="#Page_114">114</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">hoists the white flag, and sinks, <a href="#Page_165">165</a>, <a href="#Page_166">166</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">joins von Spee, <a href="#Page_8">8</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">sinking of: Admiralty announcement on, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Dymott, Shpwrt. A. C. H., awarded D.S.M., <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Easter Island, German squadron at, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Edinburgh Castle</i>, deck hockey on, <a href="#Page_26">26</a><br /> -<br /> -Edwards, Captain H. McI., of <i>Otranto</i>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br /> -<br /> -Edwards, Mr., of Easter Island, <a href="#Page_45">45</a><br /> -<br /> -Egford, Carpenter G. H., receives D.S.C., <a href="#Page_121">121</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br /> -<br /> -Ellerton, Captain W. M., of <i>Cornwall</i>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">efficient handling of his ship, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Emden</i>, exploits and sinking of, <a href="#Page_11">11–12</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a><br /> -<br /> -England, Shpwrt. A. N. E., a D.S.M. for, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -Evans, Captain B. S., of <i>Macedonia</i>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Falkland Islands, battle of, Admiral Sturdee's dispatch on, <a href="#Page_178">178</a><br /> -<span class="pad2">battle-cruiser action, <a href="#Page_96">96</a> <em>et seq.</em>, <a href="#Page_181">181</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad2">British casualties in, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193–4</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad2">commercial importance of, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad2">congratulations on, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_186">186–9</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad2">decisive nature of, <a href="#Page_135">135</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad2">enemy sighted, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad2">light cruiser action, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_183">183</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad2">the prize bounty, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">contemplated seizure of, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">land and sea defences of, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">topography of, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">why chosen as base, <a href="#Page_18">18</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Fanning Island, British cable station destroyed at, <a href="#Page_6">6</a><br /> -<br /> -Fanshawe, Captain B. H., of <i>Bristol</i>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a><br /> -<br /> -Felton, Mrs., her services recognised, <a href="#Page_88">88</a><br /> -<br /> -Food problem in wartime, <a href="#Page_30">30</a><br /> -<br /> -Francklin, Captain Philip, of <i>Good Hope</i>, <a href="#Page_20">20</a><br /> -<br /> -French colonies, Germans and, <a href="#Page_13">13</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -German barbarity, a typical instance of, <a href="#Page_108">108</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">casualties in the Falklands, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">4.1-inch gun, range of, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">light cruisers, chase of, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">men-of-war in foreign seas, <a href="#Page_1">1</a> <em>et seq.</em></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">sailors buried at sea, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Germans abandon colonies in Polynesia, <a href="#Page_14">14</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">in South America, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Germany, her responsibility for the war, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <a href="#Page_157">157</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Glasgow</i>, a duel with <i>Leipzig</i>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">casualties in Coronel battle, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">chases enemy cruisers, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_203">203</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">sights enemy, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Glover, Signalman Frank, awarded D.S.M., <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Gneisenau</i>, a gallant fight by, <a href="#Page_102">102</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">accurate shooting by, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">end of, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">her commander rescued, <a href="#Page_107">107</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Good Hope</i> becomes Admiral Cradock's flagship, <a href="#Page_20">20</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">loss of, <a href="#Page_54">54–5</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_199">199–200</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Grant, Captain Heathcoat, of <i>Canopus</i>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a><br /> -<br /> -Grant, Captain Noel, of <i>Carmania</i>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">awarded C.B., <a href="#Page_171">171</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Great Britain and German colonies, <a href="#Page_14">14</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">enters the War, <a href="#Page_4">4</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Hague Conference and the law of neutrality, <a href="#Page_152">152</a><br /> -<br /> -High explosives, curious examples of damage by, <a href="#Page_121">121</a><br /> -<br /> -Hill, Chief Engine Room Artificer, awarded D.S.M., <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Hizen</i> in the Pacific, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Idzuma</i> in the Pacific, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a><br /> -<br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> -<i>Inflexible</i>, a fine run by, <a href="#Page_66">66</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">first shot in Falkland Islands battle, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_217">217</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Invincible</i> and Falkland Islands battle, <a href="#Page_93">93</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">damaged, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">joins Admiral Stoddart's squadron, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">lost in Jutland battle, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_215">215</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Japan declares war, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a><br /> -<br /> -Japanese cruisers in the eastern Pacific, <a href="#Page_46">46</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Karlsruhe</i>, chase and escape of, <a href="#Page_8">8</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">end of, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Kent</i>, anxiety regarding fate of, <a href="#Page_132">132</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">casualties on, <a href="#Page_132">132</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">chases German cruisers, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">duel with <i>Nürnberg</i>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">ensign of, <a href="#Page_133">133</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_219">219</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">opens fire on <i>Leipzig</i>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">sights <i>Dresden</i>, <a href="#Page_164">164</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Königsberg</i> blocked up and destroyed, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Kronprinz Wilhelm</i>, escape of, <a href="#Page_8">8</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">internment of, <a href="#Page_11">11</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Leatham, Captain E. La T., of <i>Defence</i>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a><br /> -<br /> -Leighton, Chf. P.O. D., a D.S.M. for, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Leipzig</i>, a running fight by, <a href="#Page_115">115</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">chase of, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">eludes her pursuers, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">end of, <a href="#Page_110">110</a> <em>et seq.</em>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">joins von Spee's squadron, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">on fire, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">stories of survivors, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Life at sea in 1914, <a href="#Page_28">28</a> <em>et seq.</em><br /> -<br /> -Lockyer, Lieut.-Commander E. L. B., awarded D.S.O., <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> -<br /> -Luce, Captain John, of <i>Glasgow</i>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">and Falkland Islands battle, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">awarded C.B., <a href="#Page_191">191</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">report on Coronel action, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_172">172</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Lyddite shell in warfare, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Macedonia</i> conveys German prisoners, <a href="#Page_139">139</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_212">212</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Magellan, Straits of, <a href="#Page_161">161</a><br /> -<br /> -Maltzhan, Baron von, <a href="#Page_155">155</a><br /> -<br /> -Martin, Ldg. Smn. F. S., awarded D.S.M., <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -Mas-a-Fuera, temporary headquarters of German squadron, <a href="#Page_71">71</a><br /> -<br /> -Mayes, Sergt. Charles, brave deed recognised, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br /> -<br /> -McCarten, E.-R. Artr. G. H. F., awarded D.S.M., <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Mera</i>, voluntary internment of, <a href="#Page_155">155</a><br /> -<br /> -Merchant ships, increased enemy sinkings of, <a href="#Page_24">24</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Mersey</i> destroys <i>Königsberg</i>, <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br /> -<br /> -Middleton, Chief Gunner Henry, awarded D.S.C., <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Monmouth</i> in Coronel action, <a href="#Page_53">53</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">loss of, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">officers of, <a href="#Page_201">201–2</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Murray, Lieut.-Com. J. Wolfe, promotion for, <a href="#Page_192">192</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Napier, Captain W. R., of <i>Edinburgh Castle</i>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a><br /> -<br /> -Naval actions, tactics of modern, <a href="#Page_50">50</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Navarro</i> sunk by <i>Orama</i>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a><br /> -<br /> -Navy, the, life at sea, <a href="#Page_28">28</a> <em>et seq.</em><br /> -<span class="pad1">postal arrangements of, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">work in wartime, <a href="#Page_28">28–34</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Newbolt, Sir Henry, on Admiral Cradock, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">on Falkland Islands battle, <a href="#Page_135">135</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Newcastle</i> in the North Pacific, <a href="#Page_72">72</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Nürnberg</i>, chase of, <a href="#Page_110">110</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">duel with <i>Kent</i>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">joins von Spee's squadron, <a href="#Page_6">6</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">sinking of, <a href="#Page_131">131</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">sinks <i>Monmouth</i>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Orama</i>, officers of, <a href="#Page_213">213</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">sinks a German storeship, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Otranto</i>, officers of, <a href="#Page_204">204</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">under enemy fire, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Pacific (Western), the, German squadron in, <a href="#Page_4">4</a><br /> -<br /> -Papeete, bombardment of, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">French gunboat sunk at, <a href="#Page_6">6</a></span><br /> -<br /> -<i>Patagonia</i>, internment of, <a href="#Page_155">155</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Pegasus</i>, sinking of, <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br /> -<br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> -Phillimore, Captain R. F., of <i>Inflexible</i>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a><br /> -<br /> -Port Stanley, arrival of <i>Canopus</i>: the scene, <a href="#Page_84">84</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">description of, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Port William, British squadron in, <a href="#Page_85">85</a><br /> -<br /> -Postal arrangements at sea, <a href="#Page_32">32</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Princess Royal</i> in North American waters, <a href="#Page_155">155</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Prinz Eitel Friedrich</i>, internment of, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_164">164</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Professor Woermann</i>, capture of, <a href="#Page_24">24</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Royal Naval Reserve, efficiency of, <a href="#Page_132">132</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Sailors, the psychology of, <a href="#Page_141">141</a> <em>et seq.</em><br /> -<br /> -<i>Santa Isabel</i>, sunk by <i>Bristol</i>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Scharnhorst</i> badly hit, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">good marksmanship of, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">sinking of, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Segrave, Captain J. R., of <i>Orana</i>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br /> -<br /> -Serajevo tragedy, the, <a href="#Page_157">157</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Severn</i> and the end of <i>Königsberg</i>, <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Seydlitz</i>, escape of, <a href="#Page_123">123</a><br /> -<br /> -Shark fishing as a pastime, <a href="#Page_31">31</a><br /> -<br /> -Shaw, Eng. Lieut.-Com. J. F., promotion for, <a href="#Page_192">192</a><br /> -<br /> -Skipwith, Captain H. L. d'E., of <i>Carnarvon</i>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a><br /> -<br /> -Smith, Stoker John, a D.S.M. for, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -Snowdon, Act.-Chf. E.-R. Artr. R., a D.S.M. for, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -South America (<em>see</em> <a href="#AMS">America, South</a>)<br /> -<br /> -Spee, Vice-Admiral Count von, and his command, <a href="#Page_4">4</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">aims and hopes of, <a href="#Page_151">151</a> <em>et seq.</em></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">contemplates seizure of Falklands, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">death of, <a href="#Page_105">105</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">movements of his squadron, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">policy of, considered and analysed, <a href="#Page_13">13–18</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">refuses to drink a toast, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">report on Coronel battle, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Stoddart, Rear-Admiral and a rescued kinsman, <a href="#Page_108">108</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">commands British squadron, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">reinforcements from England for, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">succeeds Admiral Cradock, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">transfers his flag, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Sturdee, Vice-Admiral F. C. Doveton, <a href="#Page_27">27</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">a Baronetcy for, <a href="#Page_191">191</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">dispatch on battle of Falkland Islands, <a href="#Page_178">178</a> <em>et seq.</em></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">his strategic victory, <a href="#Page_135">135</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">in command of British squadron, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a></span><br /> -<span class="pad1">ordered to Gibraltar, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Submarines purchased by Canadian Government, <a href="#Page_7">7</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Suffolk</i> chases <i>Karlsruhe</i>, <a href="#Page_8">8</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Sydney</i> in action with <i>Emden</i>, <a href="#Page_11">11</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Thompson, Lieut.-Com. W. A., promotion for, <a href="#Page_192">192</a><br /> -<br /> -<i>Titania</i>, enemy auxiliary cruiser, <a href="#Page_6">6</a><br /> -<br /> -Townsend, Stoker P.O. W. A., awarded D.S.M., <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -Tsingtau, German base at, <a href="#Page_4">4</a><br /> -<br /> -Turner, Maj., commands Falkland Island Volunteers, <a href="#Page_86">86</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Venning, Carpenter W. H., awarded D.S.C., <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br /> -<br /> -Verner, Lieut.-Com. R. H. C., promotion for, <a href="#Page_192">192</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -Walls, Carpenter T. A., awarded D.S.C., <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br /> -<br /> -Walton, P.O. M. J., a D.S.M. for, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -Weeks, Engineer-Com. E. J., promotion for, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> -<br /> -Wharton, Com., and sinking of <i>Nürnberg</i>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a><br /> -<span class="pad1">promotion for, <a href="#Page_192">192</a></span><br /> -<br /> -Wireless stations, German, <a href="#Page_16">16</a><br /> -</p> - - -<p class="p4" /> -<hr class="r30a" /> - -<p class="pfs80"><span class="smcap">Printed by Cassell & Company, Limited, La Belle Sauvage, London, E.C.4</span><br /> -F20.519</p> - - -<p class="p4" /> - -<div class="footnotes"><h2>FOOTNOTES:</h2> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> <em>Note.</em>—This book was completed in May, 1917, but was withheld from -publication on account of the many omissions prescribed by the Naval Censor.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> The German Chancellor had publicly declared the intention to capture -the French colonies.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> <em>See</em> <a href="#Page_6">Map, p. 5.</a></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> <i>Carmania</i>, Cunard S.S. Co.—19,524 tons, 650 feet long, triple screw -turbines. -</p> -<p> -<i>Cap Trafalgar</i>, Hamburg-Sud-Amerik S.S. Co.—18,710 tons, 590 feet -long, triple screw turbines.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> According to "Brassey's Naval Annual."</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> German wireless system.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> "Tales of the Great War" (Longmans).</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> "Blackwood's Magazine."</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> The <i>Seydlitz</i>—the German auxiliary that escaped—took in the wireless -signal announcing the victory and actually heard the firing of the <i>Cornwall</i> -and the <i>Glasgow</i> on her beam about four miles off. She managed to escape -under cover of the fog by steering to the south, but it was a near thing.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Reporting sinking of three German ships.</p></div> -<p class="p2" /> -</div> - - -<p class="p4" /> -<div class="transnote pg-brk"> -<a name="TN" id="TN"></a> -<p><strong>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE</strong></p> - -<p>The format of time in the original text has been retained. For example, -10.30 <span class="fs80">A.M.</span> or 7.3 <span class="fs80">P.M.</span></p> - -<p>Gun caliber in the original text is of the form 9.1" or sometimes 9·1". -For consistency all calibers have been changed to the 9.1" (or -9.1-inch) form.</p> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been -corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within -the text and consultation of external sources.</p> - -<p>Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text, -and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained. For example: -flagship, flag ship; midair, mid-air; conning tower, conning-tower; -skilful; inanition.</p> - -<p class="noindent"> -<a href="#Page_19">Pg 19</a>, 'Chili' replaced by 'Chile'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_22">Pg 22</a>, 'Chilian' replaced by 'Chilean'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_37">Pg 37</a>, 'ricochetting' replaced by 'ricocheting'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_43">Pg 43</a>, 'poms-poms' replaced by 'pom-poms'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_55">Pg 55</a>, 'we jamming' replaced by 'were jamming'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_60">Pg 60</a>, 'Rear Admiral' replaced by 'Rear-Admiral'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_85">Pg 85</a>, 'the follow-morning' replaced by 'the following morning'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_90">Pg 90</a>, 'ricochetted' replaced by 'ricocheted'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_92">Pg 92</a>, 'Seidlitz' replaced by 'Seydlitz'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_94">Pg 94</a>, 'Carvarvon' replaced by 'Carnarvon'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_96">Pg 96</a>, 'line ahead' replaced by 'line-ahead'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_98">Pg 98</a>, 'ricochetting' replaced by 'ricocheting'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_141">Pg 141</a>, 'fight our' replaced by 'fight in our'.<br /> -<a href="#Page_157">Pg 157</a>, 'Chilian' replaced by 'Chilean'.<br /> -</p> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Battle of the Falkland Islands, by -Henry Edmund Harvey Spencer-Cooper - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BATTLE OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS *** - -***** This file should be named 50265-h.htm or 50265-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/2/6/50265/ - -Produced by John Campbell and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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